The USDA Economic Research Service has shared it’s Farm Income and Costs: 2009 Farm Sector Income Forecast. Some of the highlights (so to speak) are below. Please visit their website to see explanations of the highlights. Net Farm Income Forecast To Be Down 20 Percent in 2009. – Net farm income is forecast to be…
The USDA 2007 Ag Census was released in early February. Please see the 2002 Puget Sound Ag Stats posting for previous information. While we wait for USDA to generate spreadsheets for easier data comparison across all measurements, here are the highlights: We have more farms creating higher value products off of fewer total acres. We…
In the constant search for accurate market pricing for regional fruits and vegetables we want to share some valuable resources. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service is the Big Kahuna for information. They have a Fruit and Vegetable Market News website deep with information. Of particular interest are the periodic updates on terminal market traffic, Shipping…
As we develop a regional food network we are considering the needs of the market, the food chain, the region’s comunities, and the environment. The best scenario is that we can find solutions that benefit all. Part of our considerations involve how to increase regional food production while keeping a eye on climate impacts. Some…
We have received many queries about if this will be like Craigslist. Our answer is yes plus a whole lot more. Additionally, we don’t want to be like Craigslist for classifieds, we want to use Craigslist! I am trying out the ability to list pertinent Craigslist listings on this page. On the left is notice…
Trying to put together the various supply chain studies and work being done in the region is a large task, and it is one that is fundamental to this developing network. There is work being done to develop regional food processing, identify cold storage, and integrate distribution options. Does this mean a coordinated space(s), a…
As I continue to research the potential market size of the Puget Sound Food Network, I dove in to the USDA Ag Census tables and WSDA data and came up with these numbers: In the 12 Puget Sound counties there are over 10,000 farms on over 600,000 acres selling $1.1 Billion of agricultural products. Regional…
We have heard a few folks ask “So is this going to be like Craigslist?” Well, yes and no.
So we have been told by a few folks that an Amish or Dutch style auction would be useful in our region. We have been doing research and have found some fascinating auctions around the country. Please email Tim or post a comment below if you have interest or knowledge about produce auctions. The idea…
