USDA: Food Prices Expected To Increase Slightly This Year

Grocery store food prices increased roughly 1% last year.  The USDA predicts what we’ll see a 0.5% to 1.5% increase at the grocery store in 2019.  USDA Food Price Economist Gianna Short said that would still be below the 20 year average of a 2% yearly increase.  And she notes the forecast calls for few changes from March.

But we did revise the forecast for eggs downward, we're now predicting egg prices to decrease between 3-4 percent.

Last month eggs were expected to drop between 1% and 2%.  The reason for the downward revision?

“The large supply we have right now.”

On the up side Short booting forecast for fresh vegetable prices those had been forecast to be unchanged from a year ago to maybe 1% higher, maybe increasing to 2%.

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