Food Prices Expected To Hold Flat In 2019

When we started 2019, USDA economists had predicted that food prices at the grocery store would increase, on average 1%-2%.  However, over the past couple of months, the forecast has been trimmed.

"We're expecting 2019 prices to increase between half a percent and 1-1.5%"

USDA Food Price Economist Gianna Short said if this trend continues, it will be the 4th year in a row in which food price inflation come in below the 20 year average; which is closer than 2%.  Short notes we'll pay more for most food categories  this year but there are a few categories where we can expect to shell out less.

"These include pork, other meats, eggs, saps and oils, and processed fruits and vegetables. Other meats include frankfurters, lunch meats, lamb and organ meats."

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