Ag News: Avocados Recover and U.S.-U.K. Trade Talks Begin
**Avocado marketers say they weathered a couple of "very stressful" weeks after stay-at-home orders took effect, but since have seen retail sales recover.
The California Avocado Commission says sales have "held up fairly well" during the pandemic.
Farmers reduced harvest in March but have since increased the amount of fruit reaching market.
A bank report says retail avocado sales rose 20% year-to-year during the first month of shelter-in-place rules.
**Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.K. International Trade Secretary Liz Truss held meetings last week via video conference to formally begin trade talks between the two nations.
A joint statement says, "Both parties agree that a Free
Trade Agreement would contribute to the long-term health of our economies, which is vitally important as we recover from the challenges posed by COVID-19.
The National Pork Producers Council reports they’re supportive of negotiations, provided the agreement eliminates tariff and non-tariff trade barriers on pork.
**A 2,000-person survey by Category Partners reveals some changes to what consumers are buying amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
thepacker.com reports, just over 50% said they’re purchasing more FROZEN foods and center-store items due to coronavirus, while roughly 40% said they’re buying more FRESH fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy for the same reason.
Overall, the vast majority of consumers appear to be buying the same amount of fresh produce and meat OR MORE.