Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.”
The NCDA&CS State and Federal Market News Service is launching a series of new reports focusing on locally produced agricultural products. Reports for the state-operated farmers markets in Raleigh and Asheville, which list current wholesale prices, are now online. Another new report is Farm to School information, which provides total produce sales delivered plus unit prices.
In addition, the Market News Service is developing reports for direct-to-consumer sales, which will capture the prices of commodities that farmers market to consumers. Reports on grass-fed beef are expected to be available this month.
Consumer interest and demand for locally grown foods has grown significantly in the past 10 years. This has been a win-win for farmers and the economy. Consumers are enjoying more foods straight from the farm, which is creating new markets and supporting the local economy.
According to USDA figures, the total value of direct sales from farms to consumers was $31.8 million in 2012.
The new reports will provide users with information that can assist them with making informed business decisions. The information can assist producers with their financial planning, assist insurance companies with settling insurance claims, and benefit other members of the industry. These new reports will be a nice addition to the wide variety of information provided by the Market News Service. Reports include information on prices, volume, quality, condition and other market data on farm products in specific markets and marketing areas.
To view reports, click here .
Click on the audio player below to listen to Commissioner Troxler and Rhonda discuss this topic.
[Audio:http://info.ncagr.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Troxler_9-16.mp3|titles=Today’s Topic for Sept. 16]
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