WASHINGTON, Jan. 1, 2013 – Farmers receive a meager share of the retail worth of the their food, according to a National Farmers Union (NFU) Farmer’s Share report released today. The report is based on calculations derived from the monthly Agriculture Prices report produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), and compared to price points of common grocery food items at a local Washington, D.C., Safeway supermarket.
“It’s easy to forget the true value of our farmers and ranchers, who in some cases are only making pennies to the dollar on their goods, while we’re at our local supermarket,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Our Farmer’s Share report reflects the true value that our farmers and ranchers are receiving.”
According to USDA’s Economic Research Service, farmers and ranchers only receive 15.8 cents of every food dollar spent by consumers outside the home in the United States. Additionally, more than 80 cents of every food dollar is spent on marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution and retailing.
“The Farmer’s Share shows the consumer that prices may increase in the grocery store, however the farmer is not necessarily receiving extra income. This is critical information that every consumer should be aware of,” said Johnson. “It is also a stark reminder that U.S. family farmers and ranchers need certainty and Congress’ inability to pass the 2012 Farm Bill directly will impact their operations.”
Click here to download the Farmer’s Share.
Click here to view the USDA NASS report.
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