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Abstract
In Consumption of Food in the United States, 1909-52,1 there is presented for the
first time an "index of supply-utilization" of farm products having food use. This
new index breaks down the combined utilization of such products, on a farm-value
basis, both according to sources of supply and according to use and disposition. The
breakdown is given for each year and in terms of time series relative to the base
period 1947-49. Current data of the index are now published at regular intervals in
The National Food Situation.2 This article is a preliminary report by the authors of
the new index. It explores some of the uses of the index, suggests further problems
to which it may apply, and presents comparative trends among commodity components
that were developed in its preparation. Research is continuing toward preparation
of a bulletin developing these subjects and extending the index to include nonfood
farm products.