With just a few weeks remaining in 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says it looks like grocery prices will be up 1% on the year.

 

"We're expecting prices in increase between 0.5%-1.5% in 2020 as well," said USDA economist Gianna Short.  She anticipates a pretty steady forecast for next year, saying prices for most products will hold or increase just slightly.

 

Why such a steady trend here recently?

 

"A lot of the big retailers they compete on price and so it's not in their interest to have large price fluctuations."

 

Meaning Americans have not see big changes in costs for production, processing, and shipping food products.

 

 

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com

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