![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218031833im_/https://www.ers.usda.gov/media/10535/covid-19-newsroom.png)
COVID-19 Economic Implications for Agriculture, Food, and Rural America
Overview
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its associated economic impacts have implications for agriculture, food, and rural America.
ERS’ research program considers links in the farm-to-consumer supply chain that may be affected by the pandemic, including farms, processors, handlers, retail outlets, and trade. ERS also examines the economic impacts of the pandemic on consumers, food assistance program participants, residents of rural America, and farmers.
This page highlights ERS research and data that can help interpret and understand the emerging economic impacts of the pandemic. The page will be updated as more information becomes available.
See also Resources for the Media.
Topics Covered by ERS COVID-19-Related Research
ERS COVID-19-related research and data address impacts related to these key subjects:
Highlights
- India, a major rice and wheat producer, sharply expands subsidized distribution of food grains in response to pandemic
- Falling global GDP surrounding worldwide pandemic likely to weaken U.S. agricultural exports in 2020
- Food at home’s share of total food spending hit a high of 66 percent in April 2020
- SNAP participation and spending respond to economic conditions
- More COVID-19 cases per capita in U.S. metro than nonmetro areas, but the share of cases in nonmetro areas is increasing
- As of August, food-at-home prices in 2020 were above 2019 levels
- U.S. cotton product imports recovering from COVID-19 impact
- Food security outlook improves for 76 low- and middle-income countries by 2030 despite income impacts of COVID-19
- Farm sector profits forecast to rise in 2020
- U.S. food spending in June 2020 was $12 billion less than in June 2019
Recent Research
ERS Commodity Outlook Reports will account for, and discuss, the economic implications of COVID-19 on the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE). Latest reports:
- Cotton and Wool Outlook: December 2020
- Feed Outlook: December 2020
- Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Monthly Outlook: December 2020
- Oil Crops Outlook: December 2020
- Rice Outlook: December 2020
- Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook: December 2020
- Vegetables and Pulses Outlook: December 2020
- Wheat Outlook: December 2020
Data Resources
- Selected Weekly Fruit Movement and Price describes the change in shipment volume, farm prices, and retail prices of select fruit for the week noted. Volume and prices reflect weekly marketing and supply chain conditions which can be affected by various factors including pests, weather, imports, exports, retail promotions, and labor disruptions.
- Selected Weekly Vegetable Movement and Price describes the change in shipment volume, farm prices, and retail prices of select vegetables for the week noted. Volume and prices reflect weekly marketing and supply chain conditions which can be affected by various factors including pests, weather, imports, exports, retail promotions, and labor disruptions.
Additional Resources
- Find the latest on COVID-19 directly from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.coronavirus.gov.
- USDA COVID-19 FAQs provides answers to questions frequently asked by USDA customers, stakeholders, and the general public. Find FAQs related to ERS under “Economic Research.”
- CDC Situation Summary
- EPA Disinfectant List
- FEMA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
- Frequently Asked Questions from the CDC
- Homeland Security Resources
- State Department Travel Information
- World Health Organization