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Pumpkin Farmers Profit with Odd, Ugly Varieties
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- For decades farmers have sought perfect, blemish free orange pumpkins, but now many are finding the demand is strongest for odd, warty gourds.

Randy Graham grows 40 pumpkin varieties near Champaign, Ill., and he says any pumpkin that looks ugly or unusual sells like crazy.

Plant breeder Jamie Hoffman says farmers have begun growing hundreds of varieties to meet the demand for pumpkins that don't have the traditional round, smooth shape and orange color.

In part, the pumpkin trend reflects the commercial growth of Halloween, and the fall season.

The National Retail Federation estimates 148 million American adults will celebrate Halloween in some way this year. In all, Americans are expected to spend more than $1.5 billion on Halloween decorations.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
10 06 10 by Newsroom
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