Large operations can, because of their volume of sales, earn respectable incomes.
However, smaller operations that have to rely on commodity production will, in the new policy and economic environment, face a daunting challenge. That challenge is reflected in the record low percentage of the retail cost of various commodities that accrue to farmers. As shown in Table 1, the farm share of retail prices for various commodity groups range from approximately 7 percent in the case of cereals and baked goods to 46 percent for eggs. The average farm share is 18-21 percent for fresh and processed fruits and vegetables. Direct marketing is increasing opportunities for small and moderate-scale producers and may offer viable options for sustaining family farming in the United States.