Planning a July 4 cookout in California? Expect to pay more than the rest of the country

California's grocery bills for a Fourth of July cookout average $90. 06, nearly 27% above the national average of $70. 92, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Key staples, including ground beef at $14. 33 and chicken breasts at $12.

48, are driving these costs higher. Despite these increases, farmers receive only 15% of the retail food dollar, highlighting a disparity in the food supply chain, according to economist Samantha Ayoub. California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass points to rising labor and distribution expenses as significant factors in the price hike. The state plays a crucial role in national food production, supplying over a third of the country’s vegetables and more than three-quarters of its fruits and nuts. This situation raises concerns about food affordability for consumers and the economic health of local farmers.

As the holiday approaches, many families may need to adjust their budgets to accommodate these increased costs. The findings underscore the ongoing challenges facing California's agricultural sector and its impact on local economies.