USDA: Food prices still increasing

The department released a new forecast for grocery store prices for 2023.

This year, grocery store prices will be higher from a year ago. But USDA economists say the increases won’t be nearly as bad as last year.

Economist Matt MacLacklan predicts an increase of about 6% this year. “Without a major change in trends, we don’t expect to be going over 6%", he said. “For food at home, we are expecting prices increases to be between 4.4 and 6.1%. Right now, year to date, if we were to take just the average prices we have observed from July, we’re at 4.8% compared to 2022.”

Food shoppers last year saw grocery prices increase 11.5% from the previous year. The 6% estimate for this year is on top of that increase, as prices have not come down.

For next year, USDA estimates prices will increase another 2%.

Related Stories
AFBF economist Danny Munch joins us to break down the program’s eligibility requirements and payment structure.
Farm groups and equipment manufacturers say lower tariffs could help reduce machinery costs and support producers facing tight margins.
Declining cases prompt officials to ease nationwide poultry restrictions, though local measures remain available if needed.
The aggressive disease can lead to significant yield losses without timely treatment.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says USDA has been preparing for a New World screwworm outbreak for more than a year as officials expand sterile fly production and containment efforts in Texas.
The Small Processors Action Plan will strengthen a strong, safe, and local American food supply

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Renowned farm broadcaster and friend of RFD-TV, Orion Samuelson, will undoubtedly be remembered for many things, but most of all, his work as a champion of America’s farmers and ranchers will define his legacy.
Corn demand is rising thanks to ethanol expansion, yet year-round E15 remains missing from the Farm Bill—leaving farmers questioning the policy gap.
RanchHer celebrated the invaluable contributions women leading the beef industry at their panel, “Your Path to Becoming a RanchHer,” Friday at NCBA CattleCon.