Support our non-partisan non-profit newsroom 💜 Donate now

Why U.S. agricultural exports are down almost 20% from last year

Sep 29, 2023
In August, agricultural exports were about 20% lower than the same time a year ago, according to the Commerce Department. That's because export volumes have fallen, and ag prices are coming off of recent highs.
"We have soybean exports down, corn exports are down, wheat exports are down," said Naomi Blohm, senior market advisor with Total Farm Marketing.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

How the orange egg yolk trend was hatched

Sep 22, 2023
With eggs a more costly commodity, yolks of a richer color have come to signify luxury, writer Marian Bull observes.
Richer-hued yolks are a feast for the eyes to some. They may also signify luxury and "almost purity," says writer Marian Bull.
Brent Lewin/Getty Images

Olive oil prices climb amid drought, heat in Mediterranean

Sep 19, 2023
Weather extremes have threatened global olive oil supplies for the second year as the appetite for EVOO grows in the U.S.
Unfavorable conditions in growing regions have driven up olive oil prices in the U.S. and may open opportunities for American agriculture.
Carlos Gil/Getty Images

Fish tacos for about $1?

Sep 13, 2023
El Pueblo Mexican Food, a family-owned restaurant chain in San Diego, California, is bucking price trends.
A customer waits to order food at El Pueblo’s roadside taco stand in Cardiff, San Diego.
Jill Replogle/Marketplace

Food assistance funds for mothers and children are up for debate in Congress

Sep 6, 2023
While the White House is asking for more money for the Women, Infants, and Children program, a House bill would reduce WIC funds.
In addition to determining overall WIC funding, Congress has to decide whether to renew a boost in funds recipients can spend on fruits and vegetables.
Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images

Some restaurateurs are struggling despite food service sales growth

Aug 15, 2023
While takeout, delivery and drive-thru sales are above pre-pandemic levels, on-site dining remains down.
The pandemic has shifted where people eat as many moved away from urban areas and stopped going into the office, says Hudson Riehle of the National Restaurant Association.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Why the market for expensive pasta sauce is expected to grow

Aug 8, 2023
The Campbell Soup Company is acquiring Sovos Brands, maker of Rao’s pasta sauce. It’s pricey, but with the economic future iffy, more people may decide to trade eating out for buying premium ingredients at home.
Campbell CEO argues that while Rao's sauce might seem expensive, it's affordable compared to going out to eat.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The newest viral TikTok trend? Cottage cheese

Jul 12, 2023
Cottage cheese, the curd-filled dairy product of 1970s diet fad fame, is back and trendier than ever.
This newly viral ingredient has been in the dairy aisle for decades.
Tim Graham/Getty Images

Cultivated meat seeks discerning diners

Jun 26, 2023
The USDA has given approval to the sale of meat grown in laboratories but will consumers take to it?
Cell-cultivated meat will soon be available at a few high-end restaurants in the U.S.
Getty Images