Food Retail Sector Consolidation & Emergency Relief for Org. Farm

**The U.S. food retail sector experienced substantial consolidation over the last three decades, according to data from USDA’s Economic Research Service.

National market concentration increased substantially between 1990 and 2019 at 458%.

Average county-level market concentration has remained relatively constant, increasing only 94%.

While national measures provide information about larger trends, trends in localized markets are likely more relevant for consumers, food-retail competitors, and policymakers, according to USDA.

DES PLAINES, IL - JULY 07: An "Organic Produce" hangs above organic produce pricing signage in the Shop & Save Market grocery store July 7, 2006 in Des Plaines, Illinois. With strong sales in organic foods, demand by producers and retailers is begining to outstrip supply of organically raised products. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

**The Organic Farmers Association welcomes the announcement of emergency financial relief to organic dairy farmers by the USDA.

The association has called on lawmakers and the Biden administration to help offset the high cost of production.

USDA's Farm Service Agency fulfilled the mandate on time, announcing plans to distribute funding on January 23.

The newly announced Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program will cover up to 75% of projected 2023 marketing costs for eligible organic dairy producers.

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**The Consumer Brands Association endorsed a new, bipartisan bill, last week.

The Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking Act, or "SHIP IT Act," would boost trucking capacity, improve supply chain efficiency and keep costs down for consumers.

The SHIP IT Act aims to address supply chain pinch points by increasing shipping capacity, lessening burdens on truck drivers and providing incentives to recruit and retain new drivers.