Despite inflation, taste matters more than price to food shoppers, says report
Americans say they are spending an additional $15 a week on food but that inflation is less important to them at the grocery store than buying good-tasting food, according to a survey by Purdue University. “At present, consumer food demand is price insensitive,” said the Consumer Food Insights report.
U.S. to look at alcohol, sustainability separately from Dietary Guidelines
In a first step toward a new edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the government proposed a list of questions for experts to consider, addressing such issues as obesity, the consumption of ultra-processed foods, and strategies for diet quality and weight management. Two hot-button issues — alcoholic beverages and sustainable food production — will be considered separately, it said.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
‘Trump district’ Democratic aggies: House Agriculture Committee members Reps. Cindy Axne of Iowa and Tom O’Halleran of Arizona are among five Democrats seeking re-election in reapportioned districts that voted for President Donald Trump in 2020. (Sabato’s Crystal Ball)
The Counter is closing: After seven years of “publishing the most provocative and memorable food stories in journalism,” The Counter will cease publication on May 20, said editor-in-chief Kate Cox. (The Counter)
Millions in lost produce: The International Fresh Produce Association called for the resumption of normal border access in Texas, saying the state’s decision to inspect every truck entering Texas from Mexico has created a huge backlog of fresh produce and will result in millions of dollars of lost income on both sides of the border. (IFPA)
‘Unease’ limits corn planting: High prices in the commodity markets indicate that corn and soybeans will be profit-making crops this year, despite high production costs, but “unease among farmers” may limit corn plantings this year and “likely will carry over into planning for 2023 production.” (farmdoc daily)
Pesticide plan: The EPA released a work plan to analyze the impact of pesticides on endangered species when considering reauthorization of the chemicals, including a priority list, in work that would take years to complete. (EPA)
