consumers

In 2023, small family farms sold $2.4 billion worth of food commodities directly to consumers, more than any other farm type, through outlets like farmers’ markets, farm stands, and community-supported agriculture.

A bill in the Idaho Legislature would lower restrictions for allowing chickens in residential areas; the hope of the legislation is to help offset the high price of eggs consumers are facing at their local grocery store.  Senate Bill 1026 would ensure that homeowners associations could not bar residents from raising up to four chickens per one-fifth of an acre.   ...

On Wednesday, the USDA rolled out a comprehensive strategy to curb impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza on the nation's poultry and egg industries as well as the American consumer.   “We are investing up to $1 billion to combat avian flu and reduce egg prices for consumers," noted USDA chief of Staff Kailee Tkacz Buller.  She added the...

The Food and Drug Administration and the USDA announced a joint request for information about food date labeling, which includes the use of terms like “Sell By,” “Use By,” and “Best By.”  The information request asks for data on industry practices and preferences for date labeling, research results on consumer perceptions of date labeling and any impact date labeling may have on food waste and gro

It seems like holiday happenings and are starting earlier and earlier every year. Seems like it anyway.   "Retailers are starting their marketing and promotion campaigns earlier than ever,” says Matt Shay, CEO of the National Retail Federation. "And they...

New research from Oregon State University sheds light on consumer habits and food labels, specifically with cheese.   “Well, cheese is interesting and Oregon has a lot of great cheeses, with a lot of small producers," noted OSU Assistant Professor of Applied Economics Nadia Streletskaya.  "And for...

How is the farming community doing when it comes to communicating with consumers?  And what can the ag sector do better?  We put that question before Washington FFA Treasure Madison Weber in today's Future of Farming.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquareme...

Beef purchasers are seeking a product that is affordable, high-quality and sustainably raised. To balance producer needs with consumer demands, the American Hereford Association is optimizing research projects to identify animals that improve economic and environmental sustainability and deliver superior quality beef...

Older Gen Zers in the United States, those between the ages of 18-24, are discerning when choosing restaurants, according to new data by the NPD Group.  Although price matters to this group, their taste preferences and definition of value dictate the type of restaurants they visit.  As...

According to ERS, the farm share of the retail price of potatoes has fluctuated between 15%-18% in recent years.  The farm share of the retail price is the ratio of what farmers receive to what consumers pay per pound in grocery stores.   ...