US pumpkin farmers not benefitting from higher prices
Illinois remains the leading producer of pumpkin in the U.S, with the majority of its supplies proce…Illinois remains the leading producer of pumpkin in the U.S, with the majority of its supplies processed into pies and other for uses. In 2014, U.S farmers produced 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins in the top 6 states (17% higher than 2013).
Retail prices for all pumpkin varieties in 2015 were up from September-October compared with last years average.
Prices in September 2015 were quite high, with prices at $5.91 each, however this dropped towards the beginning of October with the prices being $3.90, however the price is rising again, as the last price shown was on October 16th at $4.32.
Despite consumers paying more, farmers are earning less than they were two years ago. In 2013, farmers were earning 13.20 cents per pound, whilst in 2014, they were earning only 11.00 cents per pound.