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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Flour Is Costing a Lot of Bread

The rising cost of wheat is forcing bakers to increase their prices

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(Newser) – Consumers are getting hit in the breadbasket as tight flour supplies push bakers’ costs higher, reports the Los Angeles Times. Wheat crop failures, the weak US dollar and more farmers growing corn for ethanol instead of grain have more than doubled the price of a 50-pound bag of flour to $27. And it could go to $60 this year.

Wheat has risen 31% this year, pushing bread and cereal prices up 1.8% in February, the largest gain since 1975. US bakers marched in Washington last week to bring attention to their plight. Many want the US to slap export fees on US-grown wheat to make it less attractive overseas and, hopefully, keep the price down at home.

Analysts say consumers should expect that higher wheat prices eventually will work their way into higher food costs.
Analysts say consumers should expect that higher wheat prices eventually will work their way into higher food costs.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
Bakers, like King Arthur Flour Co. in Norwich, Vt., have seen the cost of flour double over the past few months.
Bakers, like King Arthur Flour Co. in Norwich, Vt., have seen the cost of flour double over the past few months.   (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
Loaves of fresh bread are displayed at Amy's Bread. Analysts say consumers should expect that higher wheat prices eventually will work their way into higher food costs.
Loaves of fresh bread are displayed at Amy's Bread. Analysts say consumers should expect that higher wheat prices eventually will work their way into higher food costs.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
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