Country Today in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Higher vegetable prices expected from smaller 1980 supplies

At the 1981 Agricultural Outlook Conference, Jules V. Powell of USDA ES reported that fresh vegetable supplies in 1980 fell about 10 percent from 1979 while processing supplies dropped about 11 percent. Prices for fresh and processing vegetables are likely to stay higher through mid 1981, with canned and frozen goods facing tighter supplies and substantial price increases. Leading crops including onions, sweet corn, lettuce, and tomatoes showed reduced production or acreage, while peas and beans faced smaller tonnage but carryovers kept some price stability. Overall, Powell forecast higher prices due to tighter supplies and higher processing costs, with modestly higher wholesale and retail levels through 1981.