vegetables

Ask anyone in the tree fruit, berry or vegetable industries, they’ll tell you all about the high labor costs associated with their labor-intensive commodities.  A recent USDA study looked at those costs and what can be done to help producers with their bottom line.   “There...

The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced this week that the Producer Price Index for final demand declined 0.5% in December when seasonally adjusted.  The index measures the average change over time in the selling prices received by domestic producers for their output.  Final d...

A month-over-month drop in prices received by crop producers led to an overall decline in the latest USDA agricultural prices report.  The overall index was down 2.7% in October while the crop price index was reduced by 4% from the previous month.   ...

A 2012 change in school meal nutrition standards drove changes in the type of foods schools purchased.  According to data released by ERS this week, following the change in standards, schools obtained more fruits and vegetables through USDA Foods and especially through USDA’s Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.  While there w...

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index rose 0.4 percent in September on a seasonally adjusted basis.  The food index increased 0.8% in September, the same increase as August.  The food at home index rose 0.7% in September as ...

In fiscal year 2021, the value of U.S. fruit and vegetable imports rose to a record level.  That record is projected to rise another 9% in FY 2022 (October–September) to $42.6 billion, according to ERS.  Import volumes are also expected to grow 3% in 2022 to 29.4 million metric tons.  T...

The Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association is offering up to $10,000 in scholarships for the upcoming school year. This scholarship can be used in any area of study in Agriculture, with preference given to areas specifically related to vegetable production ...

New data from ERS shows irrigation methods vary by crop because of differences in production practices, crop value, water source, and soil characteristics. Irrigation application methods can be broadly categorized as either gravity or pressurized systems ...

The application period for the 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is now open in the Gem State. For the current year, the USDA allocated over $2 million to the Idaho state Department of Agriculture to award to projects that enhance the competitiveness of Idaho specialty crops ...

Retail food prices increased by 3.5% in 2021, equal to the rate in 2020 and greater than the historical annual average of two percent from 2000 to 2019. However, Economic Research Service expects less inflation this year. USDA projects that prices for food-at-home, purchased typically from grocery stores, will increase between 1 ...