Specialty Crops Reports

Cotton acreage to post modest rebound in 2026

April 2026

Cotton prices rebounded last quarter, rising 5.7 cents per pound (8.9%), in line with broader commodity gains. The rally was driven largely by speculators hedging against inflation following the tumult in Iran.

Price plagues coffee, could stifle organic products’ growth

April 2026

Coffee prices are having an impact on consumer behavior, according to sales data from coffee shops and beverage chains. Consumer price index data show coffee prices in February were 18.3% ahead of their year-ago level, and that increase is leading consumers to shift certain coffee behaviors.

Vertical Farms Must Trim Costs, Hone Business Models to Achieve Profitability

November 2022

Although the concept of growing food indoors is not new, investment in growing crops indoors in vertically stacked layers has ballooned in recent years. The labor, health, and supply chain issues created by the COVID-19 pandemic has driven even more new consumer and investor interest.

Fragrant Rice: Opportunity or Threat for the U.S. Rice Industry?

September 2021

Since 1980, U.S. rice imports have grown from nearly zero to over 1.1 MMTs,while U.S. rice consumption has grown from 2.0 MMTs to nearly 5.0 MMTs. Nearly one-third of the gain in U.S. consumption has been satisfied by imported rice. 

California Tree Nut Outlook: Record Exports Expand Global Demand Base

April 2021

Lower tree nut prices and the weaker dollar have lifted tree nut exports to record highs as demand surged around the world, especially to China and 
the EU. 

Dollar Divergence: US Dollar Index Does Not Reflect True Dollar Impact on US Ag Exports

February 2021

The U.S. Dollar Index saw rapid deflation in 2020 and has coincided with a rally in commodity prices.