摘要：Our poster analyzes seasonal farm price patterns in five major U.S. fresh fruit markets (i.e. strawberries, apples, oranges, peaches and grapes) between 1980 and 2010. Shifts in the seasonal patterns between decades (1980-89, 1990-99, and 2000-10) signal price response to changes in market conditions, demand trends, and global linkages that have taken place overtime in these fruit markets. Statistical comparatives and graphical analysis form the basis for assessment using U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) monthly grower price data. Extended seasons through geographical and varietal diversity in major producing areas have had a smoothing effect on the seasonal behavior of fresh strawberry prices but a distinct seasonal price pattern is still observed with demonstrated seasonal highs and lows. Fresh peach and grape markets also continue to demonstrate seasonality with high price windows at the start and end of the harvest season. U.S. fresh apple grower prices reveal patterns typically expected for a storable commodity. Likewise, seasonality is not strongly demonstrated in fresh orange prices.
