Economics and Marketing Research at the FIC has two primary roles. The first is to examine how marketing activities and product characteristics affect demand for processed foods and agricultural commodities. Findings from this research help producers and processors, commodity commissions, and others evaluate strategies to increase demand for their products.

Some current projects examine the impact of:

• Ecolabels on prices paid for various foods
• Overseas promotional activities for agricultural products
• Sensory characteristics on the value of agricultural products

The second role is assessment of new industry strategies and conditions.

Some recent studies:

• Northwest Meat and Livestock Processor and Producer Survey on State Inspection Program: SR 1089-E

             Survey Report

             State Comparison Report

             Documentation and References

•    Willingness to Buy Grass-fed Ground Beef

• Willingness to Pay for Ecolabeled Products

• Artisan cheese production and marketing

     Permits and Licenses Required for Startup

For more information contact:

Cathy Durham, P: 503 872-6671 I F: 503 872-6648