USDA Economic Research Service - What's New

Economic Impacts of Feed-Related Regulatory Responses to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Animal and poultry disease outbreaks often lead to new or amended policies and regulations. The economic effects induced by these policies can be much greater and much longer lasting than the immediate effect of the disease outbreak alone. Using Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) as an example, this paper demonstrates the pervasiveness of the effects of restrictive feed policies and regulations, particularly as they relate to meat and bone meal and other protein feeds. Costs evaluated include those assumed by consumers via changes in supplies of secondary and final products; environmental costs associated with disposal of hazardous materials; lost value of products to the rendering industry, including a decline in value of meat and bone meal; and supply disruptions and substitutions within the feed market sector increase the total costs of disease mitigation regulations. Benefits from new or amended policies accrue but are not easily measured.

The Use of Markets To Increase Private Investment in Environmental Stewardship

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

U.S. farmers and ranchers produce a wide variety of commodities for food, fuel, and fiber in response to market signals. Farms also contain significant amounts of natural resources that can provide a host of environmental services, including cleaner air and water, flood control, and improved wildlife habitat. Environmental services are often valued by society, but because they are a public good�that is, people can obtain them without paying for them�farmers and ranchers may not benefit financially from producing them. As a result, farmers and ranchers underprovide these services. This report explores the use of market mechanisms, such as emissions trading and eco-labels, to increase private investment in environmental stewardship. Such investments could complement or even replace public investments in traditional conservation programs. The report also defines roles for government in the creation and function of markets for environmental services.

Creating Markets for Environmental Stewardship: Potential Benefits and Problems

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Farmers and other landowners typically under-provide environmental services such as clean air and water, carbon sequestration, and improved wildlife habitat. Markets for environmental services could increase farmer investments in environmental stewardship, thereby expanding the supply of environmental services. Impediments to the formation of fully functioning markets for agricultural environmental services may be difficult or costly to overcome.

Amber Waves, September 2008

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Amber Waves presents the broad scope of ERS�s research and analysis. The magazine covers the economics of agriculture, food and nutrition, the food industry, trade, rural America, and farm-related environmental topics. Available on the internet and in print, Amber Waves is issued in print five times a year (February, April, June, September and November). The internet edition, or �eZine,� includes links to web �only resources, such as podcasts and additional articles.

Regulating Agricultural Imports To Keep Out Foreign Pests and Disease

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Increasing agricultural imports benefits U.S. consumers, but shipments can transport harmful foreign pests and diseases. The United States and other nations use a number of approaches to reduce risks to agriculture and the environment from pests and diseases entering through trade. Economic analysis can help identify measures that mitigate risks of economic or environmental damage with minimal impact on trade benefits.

Balancing Nutrition, Participation, and Cost in the National School Lunch Program

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Recent reports of high rates of obesity and overweight among children have focused attention on the nutritional quality of school lunches. But this attention has raised another fundamental question: can schools meet the program�s nutrition goals while covering costs, especially in times of rising food prices? The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides federally-subsidized meals to more than 30 million children each school day. School foodservice managers say that to appeal to students and raise revenues, they need to offer less nutritious a la carte foods and vending snacks.

Obesity in the Midst of Unyielding Food Insecurity in Developing Countries

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Income disparity within and among developing countries explains how there can be obesity in the midst of under-nutrition. Rising incomes, urbanization, global integration, and more supermarkets have contributed to increased consumption of convenient, high-calorie foods among the higher income population. Obesity-related diseases have become more widespread in developing countries.

The Role of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) in Nutritional Assistance to Mothers, Infants, Children, and Seniors

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Each month, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides supplemental food packages to about a half a million low-income pregnant and postpartum women, children younger than 6, and seniors 60 and older. This study�the first in-depth study of the program since 1982�looks at how CSFP operates, who participates in it, and how it fits into the overall food assistance landscape. The study estimates that 2.9 million mothers, infants, and children meet eligibility requirements for CSFP but not for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). An estimated 7.5 million seniors would be eligible if CSFP were available everywhere. In eight States where the program is widely available, more seniors participate in CSFP than in the Food Stamp Program. Use of volunteers, staff stability, and the small scale of operations contribute to CSFP�s simplicity and accessibility. Focus group participants liked the program�s simplicity, the quality of the food it provides, and the nutrition education they received.

Disclaimer: This study was conducted by the The Urban Institute under Cooperative Agreement #43-3AEM-5-80091 with the Economic Research Service. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ERS or USDA.

The Effects of Avian Influenza News on Consumer Purchasing Behavior: A Case Study of Italian Consumers� Retail Purchase

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

To better understand how information about potential health hazards influences food demand, this case study examines consumers� responses to newspaper articles on avian influenza, informally referred to as bird flu. The focus here is on the response to bird flu information in Italy as news about highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) unfolded in the period October 2004 through October 2006, beginning after reports of the first outbreaks in Southeast Asia, and extending beyond the point at which outbreaks were reported in Western Europe. Estimated poultry demand, as influenced by the volume of newspaper reports on bird flu, reveals the magnitude and duration of newspaper articles� impacts on consumers� food choices. Larger numbers of bird flu news reports led to larger reductions in poultry purchases. Most impacts were of limited duration, and all began to diminish within 5 weeks.

Farm Household Economics and Well-Being

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Farm Household Economics and Well-Being briefing room focuses on indicators of the economic well-being of the households of the principal operators of family farms. It includes USDA's latest forecast for 2008. Indicators of well-being include household income and wealth (from both farm and off-farm sources), and indicators of health insurance coverage. The briefing room compares the financial well-being of farm households relative to all U.S. households, identifies the contributions of off-farm employment, non-farm self-employment, transfer payments, and financial market investments in household income, and discusses how taxes influence both income and wealth. The briefing room also describes the demographic characteristics of the principal farm operator households and how members of these households allocate their time to farm and off-farm work.

Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Offers the latest forecast of value and volume of U.S. farm exports, by commodity and region, as well as the agricultural trade balance for the coming year. Keeps readers abreast of how U.S. agricultural trade stacks up in a global market.

Farm Balance Sheet Data

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Estimates are presented for the farm business balance sheets for the U.S. for 1960 to present and individual States for 1960 through 2003. The balance sheet includes component accounts for assets, debt, and equity, where equity equals assets minus debt.

Farm Income Data

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Estimates of farm sector income with component accounts: for the United States, 1910-2008; and for States, 1949-2007.

Farm Income and Costs

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:00:00 GMT

The Farm Income and Costs briefing room provides indicators of economic performance for the U.S. farm sector and major crop and livestock farm groups. Farm balance sheet estimates are used by USDA and other public and private sector clients to form a perspective about the financial health of the U.S. agricultural economy. Distributional analyses identify sub-sectors and business types that are performing well relative to past trends and to other groups and types of farms. Identification of these businesses enables analysts to more closely examine factors contributing to financial performance, such as assessment of debt-repayment difficulties of specific farm types, industry sub-sectors, and regions of the country.

Vegetables and Melons Outlook

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Provides current intelligence and forecasts the effects of changing conditions in the U.S. vegetables and melons sector (including potatoes, pulses, and mushrooms). Topics include production, consumption, shipments, prices received, trade, and more.

Monthly Milk Cost of Production

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Monthly milk cost of production estimates are available by State from January 2003 to the previous month.

2008 Farm Bill Side-By-Side

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:00:00 GMT

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, which governs Federal farm programs for 2008-12, was enacted into law in July 2008. ERS� side-by-side comparison of this new Farm Act with previous legislation is now available at www.ers.usda.gov/FarmBill/2008. Summarized but substantive, this comparison is a time-saving reference on farm bill provisions.

Wheat Data

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:00:00 GMT

This data product contains statistics on wheat - including the five classes of wheat: hard red winter, hard red spring, soft red winter, white, and durum - and rye. Includes data published in the monthly Wheat Outlook and previously annual Wheat Yearbook. Data are monthly, quarterly, and/or annual depending upon the data series.

Feed Grains Database

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Interactive database that contains statistics on four feed grains (corn, grain sorghum, barley, and oats), foreign coarse grains (feed grains plus rye, millet, and mixed grains), hay, and related items. Tables previously published annually in the Feed Yearbook are available and updated continuously as data are added to the database. Custom queries also allow users to retrieve historical data.

Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Timely livestock, dairy, and poultry information, focusing on current and forecast production, price, and trade statistics for each of the sectors.

Meat Price Spreads

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:00:00 GMT

This data set provides monthly average price values, and the differences among those values, at the farm, wholesale, and retail stages of the production and marketing chain for selected cuts of beef, pork, and broilers. In addition, retail prices are provided for beef and pork cuts, turkey, whole chickens, eggs, and dairy products.

Feed Outlook

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Examines supply, use, prices, and trade for feed grains, including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Focuses on corn; also contains information on sorghum, barley, oats, and hay.

Wheat Outlook

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Examines supply, use, prices, and trade for wheat, including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Contains data and information on U.S. wheat by class.

Oil Crops Outlook

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Examines supply, use, prices, and trade for oil crops (primarily soybeans and products), including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Includes information on cottonseed, peanuts, sunflowerseed, tropical oils, corn oil, and animal fats.

Rice Outlook

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Examines supply, use, prices, and trade for rice, including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Contains information on U.S. rough, milled, and long-, medium-, and short-grain rice.

U.S. Agricultural Trade Data Update

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Provides a monthly update of year-to-date quantities and values of U.S. agricultural exports and imports. Also provides data on leading destination countries for exports and import source countries.

Cotton and Wool Outlook

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Examines supply, use, prices, and trade for cotton and wool, including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Includes data on raw fibers and textiles.

Livestock and Meat Trade Data

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:00:00 GMT

The Livestock and Meat Trade Data Set contains monthly and annual data for imports and exports of live cattle, hogs, sheep, and goats, as well as beef and veal, pork, lamb and mutton, chicken meat, turkey meat, and eggs. The tables report physical quantities, not dollar values or unit prices. Data on beef and veal, pork, and lamb and mutton are on a carcass-weight-equivalent basis. Breakdowns by country are included.

Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:00:00 GMT

The latest U.S. agricultural trade data are now available from ERS. This new data product announces USDA's monthly release of calendar year, fiscal year, year-to-date, and monthly value of U.S. agricultural exports, imports, and trade balance.

Season-Average Price Forecasts

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:30:00 GMT

A futures-price forecasting model is used to provide season-average price forecasts for corn, soybeans, and wheat. In addition to the monthly forecasts for prices received, the model computes a forecast for the counter-cyclical payment rate for each commodity. The 2002 Farm Act provides for counter-cyclical payments when prices are below specified levels.

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:30:00 GMT

Issued monthly, WASDE provides the most current USDA forecasts of U.S. and world supply-use balances for major grains, soybeans and products, and cotton, and U.S. supply and use data for sugar and livestock products.

Phytosanitary Regulation of the Entry of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables into the United States

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:00:00 GMT

This data product identifies which countries, under phytosanitary rules issued by USDA's Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service, are eligible to export to the United States the fresh fruits and vegetables that are most important in the American diet. Data on the absolute and relative importance of these countries in international fruit and vegetable production and trade, individually and in aggregate, are included. Exporting countries are also classified according to income level.

The Decline in Consumer Use of Food Nutrition Labels, 1995-2006

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

This report examines changes in consumers' use of nutrition labels on food packages between 1995-96 and 2005-06. The analysis finds that, although a majority of consumers report using nutrition labels when buying food, use has declined for most label components, including the Nutrition Facts panel and information about calories, fats, cholesterol, and sodium. By contrast, use of fiber information has increased. The decline in label use is particularly marked for the cohort of adults less than 30 years old.

Listen to a podcast based on this report.

Is Dietary Knowledge Enough? Hunger, Stress, and Other Roadblocks to Healthy Eating

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Poor diets and rising obesity rates among Americans persist despite increased public awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. This report presents a consumer demand model to illustrate how both long-term health objectives and immediate visceral influences�long intervals between meals and eating away from home�can drive individuals� food choices. The model predicts that cognitive dietary information will have less influence on food choices in the face of immediate visceral factors. Using data from the 1994-96 Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals and the companion Diet Health and Knowledge Survey, the analysis finds that when individuals extend the period between meals or consume more of their food away from home, they are significantly more likely to consume more calories and lower diet quality.

Measuring Food Security in the Dominican Republic: Adaptation of the U.S. Food Security Survey Module

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module was translated into Spanish and adapted for use in the Dominican Republic. Qualitative assessment in a focus group was conducted to confirm the relevance of the concepts and to refine the questions. A pilot survey of 110 households in a rural, economically vulnerable community was conducted, and the data were analyzed to assess the validity of the questions as a multiple-item measure of household food insecurity. Both internal and construct validity appear to be acceptable, although further assessment of two items is recommended. The Dominican survey module complements work in several other countries in Central and South American and the Caribbean to develop a common set of food security questions for use in diverse cultural and linguistic settings.

Disclaimer: This report was prepared by Clark Atlanta University and the Instituto Dominicano De Investigaciones Agropecuarias Y Forestales under a cooperative agreement with the Economic Research Service. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ERS or USDA.

Agricultural Outlook Statistical Indicators

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Statistical Indicators previously published in Agricultural Outlook addressing a broad spectrum of agriculture-related issues. Includes commodity and food prices, general economic indicators, government program expenditures, farm income estimates, and trade and export statistics.

RIDGE Project Summaries, 2007: Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics Program

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

This report summarizes research findings from the Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Innovation and Development Grants in Economics Program (RIDGE), formerly known as the Small Grants Program. The Economic Research Service created the program in 1998 to stimulate new and innovative research on food and nutrition assistance issues and to broaden the network of social scientists that collaborate in investigating the food and nutrition challenges that exist across communities, regions, and States. The report includes summaries of the research findings of projects that were awarded 1-year grants in summer and fall 2006. The results of these research projects were presented at the RIDGE conference in October 2007. The projects include analyses of the influence of WIC on children�s health at birth, impacts of Food Stamp Program participation on weight gained by expectant mothers, community influence on food assistance and dietary choices, and economic effects of a policy to provide government-subsidized price discounts for the purchase of fruits and vegetables by food stamp recipients. Several of the projects focus on specific populations such as immigrants, Native Americans, or people living in the rural South.

Disclaimer: The studies summarized herein were conducted under research grants originating with the Economic Research Service. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ERS or USDA.

For more information, see the RIDGE Program Briefing Room.

Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Lower Production for Most Stone Fruit in 2008

U.S. stone fruit production in 2008 is forecast down from a year ago, particularly for peaches, sweet and tart cherries, and apricots. A mid-April freeze caused widespread damage to stone fruit crops in major producing States. The lower production this year is putting upward pressure on most stone fruit prices.

Monthly Milk Cost of Production

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Monthly milk cost of production estimates are available by State from January 2003 to the previous month.

Regional Agricultural Profiles System

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

The Regional Agricultural Profiles System is a retrieval, aggregation, and presentation tool for 2002 Census of Agriculture data. The system allows users to query selected variables from the Census and view the results in maps, charts, and tables. Broad variable categories include basic farm characteristics, agricultural land use, crop and livestock production, sales of farm products, and government payments. The system also allows two common regional aggregations: USDA Farm Production Regions and ERS Farm Resource Regions.

DatelinERS Newsletter

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:00:00 GMT

The DatelinERS newsletter offers concise summaries of ERS reports and events with links to areas within our website. You can find it in our newsroom at www.ers.usda.gov/News/.

Feed Grains Database

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Wheat Data

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Farm Program Acres

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:00:00 GMT

This data product allows you to download and map county-level farm program and planted acreage data. Users can manipulate the data to illustrate the share of commodity base acreage planted to nine major program crops (corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, wheat, rice, cotton, peanuts, and oilseeds).

Season-Average Price Forecasts

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:00:00 GMT

The National School Lunch Program Background, Trends, and Issues

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is the Nation�s second largest food and nutrition assistance program. In 2006, it operated in over 101,000 public and nonprofit private schools and provided over 28 million low-cost or free lunches to children on a typical school day at a Federal cost of $8 billion for the year. This report provides background information on the NSLP, including historical trends and participant characteristics. It also addresses steps being taken to meet challenges facing administrators of the program, including tradeoffs between nutritional quality of foods served, costs, and participation, as well as between program access and program integrity.

Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Timely livestock, dairy, and poultry information, focusing on current and forecast production, price, and trade statistics for each of the sectors.

Agricultural Exchange Rate Data Set

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Contains annual and monthly data for exchange rates important to U.S. agriculture. Includes both nominal and real exchange rates for 80 countries (plus the European Union), as well as real trade-weighted exchange rate indexes for many commodities and aggregations.

U.S. Sweet Corn Statistics

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:00:00 GMT

This data product contains Excel spreadsheets covering the economics of the U.S. fresh and processing sweet corn industry. Time series data covers State and U.S. area, yield, production, prices, value as well as U.S. trade by country, per capita use, and recent cost of production budgets for selected states. Data series for world area, production, and trade are also included.

Diet Quality and Food Consumption

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

The Diet Quality and Food Consumption briefing room provides a central point for obtaining information about economic analyses of the Nation�s food consumption trends, consumer reactions to changes in food prices and income, dietary patterns, and the relationship between food intake and nutritional/health outcomes such as obesity. The briefing room also highlights ERS-developed data systems to study the determinants of food consumption trends and to inform policymakers and the public about these trends.

Meat Price Spreads

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:00:00 GMT

The EU Sugar Policy Regime and Implications of Reform

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

The European Union�s sugar policy, in place since 1968, underwent its first major reform in 2005 in response to mounting and unsustainable imbalances in supply and demand. The reform, however, targeted only a few policy instruments (intervention price cut, voluntary production quota buyout, and restrictions on nonquota sugar exports), while leaving other key policies unchanged (interstate quota trading, sugar-substitute competition, and import barriers). Consequently, the extent of the reform�s impact is limited, compared with more far-reaching alternatives, particularly when the oligopolistic nature of the industry and its noncompetitive pricing behavior are taken into account. A model-based analysis suggests that the reforms by themselves are unlikely to induce price adjustments sufficient to reduce overproduction unless quotas and/or high tariffs are reduced.

Feed Outlook

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Wheat Outlook

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Examines supply, use, prices, and trade for wheat, including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Contains data and information on U.S. wheat by class.

Rice Outlook

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Cotton and Wool Outlook

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Examines supply, use, prices, and trade for cotton and wool, including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Includes data on raw fibers and textiles.

Oil Crops Outlook

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:00:00 GMT

U.S. Agricultural Trade Data Update

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:30:00 GMT

Provides a monthly update of year-to-date quantities and values of U.S. agricultural exports and imports. Also provides data on leading destination countries for exports and import source countries.

Livestock and Meat Trade Data

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:30:00 GMT

Profile of Hired Farmworkers, A 2008 Update

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Hired farmworkers make up a third of the total agricultural labor force and are critical to U.S. agricultural production, particularly in labor-intensive sectors such as fruits and vegetables. The hired farmworker labor market is unique because it includes a large population of relatively disadvantaged and often unauthorized workers, a portion of whom migrate to, and within, the United States. Recent economic and demographic trends, such as changing agricultural production methods that permit year-round employment, expanding immigrant populations in nonmetropolitan counties, and growing concerns over U.S. immigration policies, have elicited increased interest in hired farmworkers. This 2008 profile serves as an update to the 2000 Economic Research Service analysis of the 1998 Current Population Survey using current data with expanded sections on legal status, poverty, housing, and use of social services.

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:30:00 GMT

The Environment for Agricultural and Agribusiness Investment in India

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Despite strong overall economic growth and strengthening food demand, investment in Indian agriculture and agribusiness has remained sluggish, and growth in farm output has slowed, since the early 1990s. An array of policies and regulations affecting agricultural production, marketing, and food processing�along with weak infrastructure and a lack of market services�have discouraged private investment by farmers and large, vertically integrated agribusinesses. The policy environment has grown more investor friendly since the late 1990s and private investment appears to be responding, but significant barriers remain and the pace of future reforms remains uncertain.