USDA ERS Research: Organic Blueberry Production on Rise

Web AdminBlueberries, USDA

A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) study has concluded that organic blueberry production has expanded tremendously over the past decade. Yields reached 77.5 million pounds in 2019 compared to 11.9 million pounds in 2008. Florida has contributed to the rise in organic yields. It produced less than 160,000 pounds in 2008 but increased to 1.9 million …

USDA ERS Study: Organic Strawberry Production on Rise

Web AdminStrawberry, USDA

A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) study concludes organic strawberry production has helped increase domestic production over the past two decades. Most organic strawberries are produced in California, though Florida has experienced increased production in recent years. Approximately 680 organic acres were produced in Florida in 2019, compared to just 14 in 2008. From 2008 to …

Farm Income Down Despite Higher Prices at Grocery Store 

Web AdminAgribusiness

Farm sector income is expected to drop in 2023. Net farm income is forecast to decrease by $25.9 billion or 15.9% from 2022 to $136.9 billion in 2023. Net cash farm income is forecast to decrease to $150.6 billion in 2023, a decrease of $39.4 billion or 20.7% from 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service …

Fresh Market Tomato Growers Getting Smaller Share of Price Paid

Web AdminFlorida Grower

The farm share of the retail price of fresh, field-grown tomatoes—the ratio of what tomato growers received to what consumers paid—fell from 43% in 2020 to 36% in 2021. While the national, monthly average price of such tomatoes at grocery stores fell 11 cents to $1.85 per pound in 2021, the monthly average price received by farmers simultaneously fell 16 …

Fresh Vegetable Trade Volume Up in 2021

Web AdminTrade, Vegetables

Fresh vegetable trade volume was up in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service. The United States remained a net importer of fresh-market vegetables in volume and value terms. The value of imports increased 5% to $10.4 billion, while the value of exports increased 3% to $2.4 billion. Import value grew 81% over the past decade, …

Watermelon 2021: Domestic Production Down, Imports Up

Web AdminExports/Imports, Florida, Watermelon

Domestic watermelon production was down in 2021, though imports from other countries like Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras rose. Domestic production totaled 3.37 billion pounds last year, a decrease of 2% from 2020. This was mostly attributed to a 7% decrease in Georgia production because of a cooler spring and 35% decrease in Texas due to Winter Storm Uri. Florida’s watermelon …