Vegetables and Melons Outlook: April 2002

Overview

According to preliminary ERS estimates, per capita vegetable and melon use (consumption) declined 1 percent in 2001 to 448 pounds. Fresh-market use (excluding potatoes) was unchanged at 173 pounds while freezing (down 1 percent) and canning (down 3 percent) use were lower. Per capita use of potatoes, the largest vegetable category, increased 1 percent to 140 pounds, reflecting lower prices stemming from the record-large 2000 fall potato crop. The forecast for 2002 suggests that per capita vegetable and melon use will rise 1 percent led by increased use of processing vegetables.