NFU - National Farmers Union
11/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/25/2024 10:21
Thanksgiving by the Numbers: Farmers Earn Cents, Consumers Pay Dollars
WASHINGTON - As Americans prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with family gatherings, National Farmers Union (NFU) released the updated "Farmer's Share of the Food Dollar" for items typically enjoyed during a Thanksgiving meal. These figures reveal how much family farmers earn compared to the amount consumers pay at the grocery store.
"Consumers may notice higher prices this year for many of the ingredients used in their Thanksgiving meals as they prepare to gather around tables filled with cherished holiday dishes. These rising costs, however, often don't translate to fair compensation for America's family farmers and ranchers. Over the years, corporate consolidation has left our agriculture and food systems fragile and uncompetitive. Today, monopolies dominate everything from food processing and distribution to the markets for seeds and farm equipment, leaving farmers at a disadvantage," said Rob Larew, NFU President. "This Thanksgiving, as we celebrate with friends and family, we must also acknowledge the challenges our food producers face. Family farmers and ranchers deserve a fair share of the consumer dollar," Larew added.
Included in the 2024 Farmer's Share of Thanksgiving Dinner is:
| Food Item | For What | Retail Price | Farmer's Share |
| Turkey | Butterball Frozen Turkey 16-20 lb. (price per lb.) | $2.42 | $0.06 |
| Mashed Potatoes | Signature SELECT Farms Russet Potatoes 10 lbs. | $6.99 | $1.22 |
| Stuffing | Mrs. Cubbisons Stuffing Seasoned Traditional Box, 12 oz. | $4.39 | $0.07 |
| Pumpkin Pie | Signature SELECT Pumpkin 100% Pure, 15 oz. | $4.29 | $0.14 |
| Cranberries | Signature Fresh Cranberries, 12 oz. | $2.99 | $0.86 |
| Boneless Ham | Signature SELECT Smoked Cooked Boneless Ham (half), 2 lb. | $15.98 | $1.28 |
| Sweet corn | Signature SELECT/Corn Sweet White, 16 oz. | $2.99 | $0.34 |
| Dinner Rolls | Signature SELECT Artisan White Dinner Rolls 18 oz. | $3.99 | $0.10 |
| Green Beans | Signature SELECT/Farms Green Beans Family Pack, 20 oz. | $5.00 | $0.98 |
NFU's Fairness for Farmers campaign is actively addressing the monopoly crisis in food and agriculture. By advocating for stronger antitrust enforcement and greater transparency, the campaign aims to increase the farmer's share of the food dollar and ensure fairness for both farmers and consumers.
Data for this publication were sourced from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service and other industry sources.