How Produce Farmers are Feeling the Effects of the Pandemic
Share Article MILWAUKEE (PRWEB) December 18, 2020 At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many retail stores experienced shortages of certain fruits and vegetables because of the disruptions to farm labor and workers in processing. With major crop losses in lettuce, apples, and grapes, new research estimates up to $48 million in losses during this time.
In the new article “The Effects of COVID-19 on Fruit and Vegetable Production” William Ridley from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Stephen Devadoss from Texas Tech University explore COVID-19’s effects on fruit and vegetable production in light of the ongoing and widespread proliferation of the pandemic in the farm labor force.
Big Data and Near-Real-Time Monitoring of Food Emergencies
Share Article MILWAUKEE (PRWEB) December 17, 2020 It’s no secret that today’s economic climate has drastically shifted due to COVID-19. In an AAEA session taking place virtually for the 2021 ASSA Annual Meeting, AAEA members and researchers will examine food insecurity with new technology, the poverty and malnutrition indicators, whether or not cell phone metadata can predict food security, and the vegetation index.
The organizer of the session, Rob Vos from the International Food Policy Research Institute says, “Even before COVID-19, global hunger was on the rise, especially where livelihoods are affected by conflict, climate change and economic collapse. While the risk factors are known, their timely monitoring is tedious, but badly needed. This session should show us the prospects of filling this void and save lives.”
The Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rural Economies
Share Article MILWAUKEE (PRWEB) December 16, 2020 Whether it’s online grocery orders or curbside pick-ups, COVID-19 has shifted the way we shop. But how is it effecting those in less populated rural areas?
In an AAEA session at the virtual 2021 ASSA Annual Meeting, AAEA members present on the digital divide, impacts on health of food and liquor purchases, and industrial composition.
Organizer of the session, Heather Stephens from West Virginia University says, “This session will explore different ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the US economy, and the differences between rural and urban regions. Paricipants will leave the session with a better understanding of the factors driving these impacts, and also the potential future of rural areas in a post-COVID world.”
Reconsidering the Economics of Identity: Position, Power, and Property
Share Article MILWAUKEE (PRWEB) December 15, 2020 AAEA has selected the T.W. Schultz Memorial Lecture and award to be given to William A. Darity Jr. from Duke University.
With over 40 years of experience in the Economics field, Darity is the Samuel DuBois Cook Professor of Public Policy, African and African American Studies and Economics and serves as the director of the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University. His presentation “Reconsidering the Economics of Identity: Position, Power, and Property” will happen between 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm EST on January 3, 2021 virtually.
New Research on Food Quality Inspection, Certification, and Disclosure
Share Article MILWAUKEE (PRWEB) December 14, 2020 In a world of uncertainty, one thing is certain: food quality inspection, certifications, and disclosure can provide some measure of assurance to consumers. In an AAEA session taking place virtually at the 2021 ASSA Annual Meeting, researchers will discuss the economics of information with examples from the coffee, meat and poultry, and wine industries.
Organizer of the session, John Bovay from Virginia Tech says, “The fascinating thing about food quality is that it is largely hidden from the consumer. How can you tell whether a bottle of French red wine is produced according to strict standards or made from a blend of juices with little quality control? What are the environmental implications of your cup of Brazilian coffee? Is your meat and poultry safe to eat, or might it make you sick?