Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Lbs per capita
2.5
2.0
Fresh
1.5
Frozen
1.0
0.5
Canned
0.0
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
Figure 22.2. Changing spinach consumption pattern 1992-2005. Source: USDA—
National Agricultural Statistics Service.
large change, with fresh per capita consumption increasing signifi cantly from 1992 to
2005 (for example, see Fig. 22.2). Fresh-cut produce, including bagged salads, has
become a more important part of the U.S. diet. The fresh-cut and bagging technologies
are relatively new and the added convenience of washed and bagged spinach has
probably contributed to the growth in fresh consumption.
Consumers are eating a more varied diet. The typical grocery store carried 345
produce items in 1998 compared with 173 in 1987. Some of these items are new and
exotic products, new varieties of more familiar products, or new formats, such as more
bagged or ready-to-eat produce items. Spinach and leafy greens have also followed
this pattern. A typical bag of spring mix may contain arugula, radicchio, mizuna, frisée,
etc.—products that were unknown to most consumers in 1990.
In addition to variety, consumers want produce on a year-round basis. Items that
used to be available only seasonally are now imported to meet that year-round demand
of consumers. In fact, this is not a new trend. In 2005, 46% of fresh fruit consumption
was imported and 17% of fresh vegetable consumption was imported. In 1975, almost
22% of U.S. fresh tomato consumption was imported. Imported products help meet
the demand for year-round fresh product, and they may also help dampen fl uctuations
in seasonal prices of fruits and vegetables. If the U.S. had to depend only on Florida
tomatoes in the winter, consumers would face higher prices. Augmenting the winter
tomato supply with imports from Mexico benefi ts consumers, but it does not benefi t
Florida producers.
Although the general trend is toward an increasing share of imports in the total
supply of fruit and vegetables in the marketplace, the role of import shares varies
widely across the spectrum of products (Table 22.2) and depends on many factors
including production possibilities (e.g., season), production costs including labor,
transportation, and opportunities for storing product. Imports play a very small role
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