USDA warns food prices expected to continue to rise.
Last year, experts expected price increases this year by 1-2%. Just a month or so ago, USDA Economist, Matt MacLachlan predicted a 9-10% increase, but that figure is also going up to 11%. MacLachlan said he would not have expected that.
He says another surprise is one of the leaders in the price increases.
Many factors are driving the increases, including Avian Flu, energy prices, labor costs, and other inputs for producers.
That said, MacLachlan is making an early prediction for next year of 2-3% increases.
