Blame it on COVID, supply problems, or any number of other factors, but when 2021 figures are totaled, the USDA estimates the American people will have seen two years of accelerated food price increases.  3.5% for grocery stores in 2020...another 3.5% in 2021. 

"[Hopefully] We usually see deceleration following acceleration," said USDA Economist and our new food price tracker, Matt MacLachlan.

He noted the U.S. had the acceleration part in 2020 and 2021, but MacLachlan is tentatively projecting deceleration for 2022.

"That's not to say that food prices are going to go down.  It's just the rate at which they've increased should slow a bit."

"A slowing of the increase still means higher prices," as USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer said.

And for grocery store food, it looks like another 2%, or so, hike in 2022 on top of 2021's 3.5%.

gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com

More From PNW Ag Network