Recap of Whole Foods Market’s Top 10 Food and Beverage Trend Predictions for 2025

By Savannah Columbia | Extension Associate
Published on Nov. 25, 2024

Last month, the Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council released their top 10 food and beverage trend predictions for 2025. Each year the Council develops trend predictions through industry experience, observing consumer behavior, and collaborating with new and established brands.

Kentuckians' Consumer Perceptions of Local Dairy and Other Local Food Options

By Tim Woods | Extension Professor and Camille Stevens | Extension Associate
Published on Aug. 29, 2024

In an era where food choices are abundant, there is a growing trend towards supporting local agriculture. One of the most impactful ways to embrace this movement in Kentucky is by purchasing local dairy products, meat, as well as fruits and vegetables.

Farmers Market Prices: Trends From This Season

Published on Jun. 27, 2024

In a previous Economic and Policy Update article, "Price Dynamics at Kentucky Farmers Markets, 2021-2023

Farmers Market Purchase Frequency

By Azita Varziri | Postdoctoral Scholar, Brett Wolff | Extension Specialist, and Tim Woods | Extension Professor
Published on May. 24, 2024

Farmers markets are an anchor to a community's local food system and represent a high profile channel for local food system development in most communities. This study investigates various demographic and behavioral aspects that influence purchasing patterns at farmers' markets.

Price Dynamics at Kentucky Farmers Markets, 2021-2023

By Brett Wolff | Extension Specialist
Published on Feb. 28, 2024

In a previous Economic and Policy Update article, 2023 Kentucky Vegetable & Fr

2023 Kentucky Vegetable & Fruit Input Costs: Changes and Trends

By Emily Spencer | Extension Associate and Tim Woods | Extension Professor
Published on Oct. 30, 2023

Prices for many crop inputs have increased steadily since 2016. This report updates 2023 Kentucky price trends for key vegetable and fruit crop inputs: fuel and fertilizer, labor, plant protection products, and seed.

Summaries of Produce Auction Quantities and Prices Available Soon

By Savannah Columbia | Extension Associate
Published on Jul. 28, 2023

The produce auction is a marketing channel for growers producing fruit and vegetable crops, nursery crops, and ornamentals. There are several produce auctions located throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and other bordering states.

Where to Find Local Agricultural Products Near You!

By Savannah Columbia | Extension Associate
Published on Apr. 28, 2023

May is almost here, which means backyard gardening, trips to agritourism venues, and farmers’ markets are about to be in full swing! The local, fresh fruits and vegetables we have been waiting for all winter are finally readily available to us. But have you ever wondered where to find it?

Valentine’s Day: One of a Flower Grower’s Favorite Holidays

By Savannah Columbia | Extension Associate
Published on Feb. 28, 2023

Valentine’s Day has topped its historical spending record for the second year in a row. Many consumers show love for their partners, family members, and even pets through gift-giving on Valentine’s Day. Popular gift items include candy or chocolate, flowers, greeting cards, jewelry, and/or dinner reservations.

The Center for Crop Diversification: A Resource to Farm Market Vendors and Retail Markets

Published on Nov. 29, 2022

As the Kentucky produce season comes to an end, so does a summer staple: farm market spaces. Throughout Kentucky, there are more than 2,700 vendors who practice direct-to-consumer marketing, giving farm markets and retail stores extensive outreach to our communities. With this outreach comes a need for support for these agri-businesses.