2002 FRUIT.pptVIP

2002 FRUIT VEGETABLE SITUATION OUTLOOK Southern Ag. Outlook Conference Tunica, MS September 2002 Ed Estes, N.C. State University Three areas of emphasis: F V data inconsistently collected across states, diversity of industry creates S O problems so only limited USDA will be presented; Focus will be on major topics and issues that are important to industry such as safety, traceback, value added, Farm Bill impacts, contracts, etc. Present findings of an email survey of FV extension specialists working in the South (10 states) plus national (USDA) S O information. U.S. Fruit and Vegetable Industry: Consumers spend ~$76 billion to buy fruits and vegetables (2000): $37 billion (49%) from retailers; $38 billion (50%) from foodservice; $1 billion (1%) direct from growers. Grower’s share was ~$19 billion (25%). Market margin was ~$57 billion (75%). Fresh produce often determines store choice. Several issues and trends are important to the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Most important issues/trends ranked by respondents: risk / price mgt. inattention to mkt. poor post harvest consolidation no mkt infrastruct. access to labor food safety decreased pesticides 17.5 12.5 11.5 11.25 11.25 11.0 9.5 8.25 Southern states survey conducted in September 2002: Survey sent to people in 10 states: AR, AL, GA, FL, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA: No response from LA, OK, TX, MD. Extension economist +/or horticulturist; represents views and did not ask for evidence to support views; three page, choose or short answer form. Survey ranking methods: Issues ranked from 1-8 with most important issue assigned a value of 1, second most important issue assigned a value of 2, etc; Responses ranked #1 were assigned a value of 20, #2 were assigned a value of 18, #3=16, #4=14, #5=12, #6=10, #7=8, and #8=6. Range was 17.5 to unranked. Most important issues/trends ranked by respondents: risk / price mgt. inattention to mkt. poor post harvest consolidation no mkt infrastruct. access t