By Jean-Paul MacDonald
Farms.com
A distressing reality plagues farmers across the United States as the National Farmers Union (NFU) reveals the shocking statistics of the 2023 Farmer's Share of the Fourth of July food dollar. The findings paint a grim picture of the ongoing decline in farmers' earnings, highlighting an unfair landscape that leaves them with a diminishing share of the consumer dollar. NFU President Rob Larew expressed deep concern, attributing this alarming trend to the dominance of highly consolidated meatpacking companies and harmful mergers within the grocery sector, ultimately depriving farmers and consumers of their hard-earned money.
Last year, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) marked a historic low as the farmer's share of the food dollar dwindled to a mere 14.5 cents for every dollar spent. President Larew emphasized that this dire situation can be changed. Through their impactful Fairness for Farmers campaign, NFU is tirelessly advocating for a transformative 2023 Farm Bill that prioritizes fairer and more competitive markets, ensuring just compensation for farmers while benefiting consumers.
The figures released by NFU unveil the striking disparities between retail prices and the meager shares received by farmers for various Fourth of July food items. From $3.49 spent on 8-count hamburger buns, farmers receive a mere $0.10. Likewise, a $11.07 purchase of 2 pounds of ground beef leaves farmers with a share of only $3.42. The imbalance continues with tomatoes, lettuce, party-size potato chips, and soda, where farmers' shares represent a fraction of the retail prices.
These disheartening revelations shed light on the urgent need to address the prevailing inequities within the food system. The call for a comprehensive 2023 Farm Bill, aimed at rectifying market imbalances and fostering fairness, resonates with the pressing need to uplift farmers and promote consumer awareness. It is through concerted efforts that a more equitable and sustainable future can be secured for farmers and consumers alike.