New from
ERS—July 2004
Rural
Poverty at a Glance
Poverty rates are used in shaping Federal policies
and targeting program benefits. A six-page ERS brochure
is packed with information on poverty trends and
demographic characteristics of the rural poor. Analysis
by race, ethnicity, age, family structure, and region
highlights distinctions between metro and nonmetro
areas. (posted on July 23, 2004)
Peanut
sector adjusts to major policy change
The 2002 Farm Act dramatically altered peanut policy,
eliminating the marketing quota system. While former
quota holders are no longer guaranteed relatively
high prices, peanut sector revenues are projected
to be relatively stable. Producers are taking advantage
of farm program planting flexibility to expand to
higher yielding areas. Also cushioning the transition
are rising demand and other sources of farm and
off-farm income. (posted on July 19, 2004)
Ranking
the States by agricultural exports
Iowa and Texas now rank second and third, respectively,
among U.S. agricultural exporting States after California,
as fiscal 2003 U.S. agricultural exports expanded.
Complete annual estimates
of U.S. exports by State and commodity group
have been updated. (posted on July 7, 2004)
Trade
impacts of animal diseases
Disease outbreaks and related trade restrictions
have undercut previously expected high growth in
many U.S. animal product exports, with U.S. beef
exports most affected. Emphasis is on developments
in 2003 and forecasts for 2004. (posted on July
7, 2004)
Strategies
for raising elders’ use of Food Stamp Program
USDA implemented demonstrations in six States to
test strategies for raising elderly individuals’
Food Stamp Program participation. The strategies:
simplifying eligibility requirements, providing
assistance with applications, and offering the option
of receiving commodities rather than electronic
funds transfer. Preliminary results show participation
rising substantially. (posted on July 7, 2004)
EU’s
import arrangements for fruits and vegetables
Over 70 percent of European Union (EU) fruit and
vegetable imports are from countries benefiting
from preferential treatment. The preferential agreements
create a mosaic of tariffs, quotas, and other restrictions
that vary considerably among products and preferred
partners. Trading partners without preferences are
at a disadvantage in EU markets. (posted on July
7, 2004)
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