The slogan for Rally's burger stand, "Ya gotta eat," is probably soothing to American farmers. As Associated Press writer James Prichard wrote in an article about agriculture in the ailing economy, "While people will put off buying houses and cars in a bad economy, they still need food."

The story said the economic downturn could even boost income for food producers who know how to take advantage of the situation.

For the article, Prichard spoke to the director of the UC Agricultural Issues Center, Dan Sumner, who pointed out that the agricultural sector isn't immune to the economic recession.

He said consumers are likely to cut back on goods they perceive as more dispensable (wine? asparagus? organic Saturn peaches?) while continuing to purchase basic agricultural products containing corn, soybeans, wheat, butter or milk. Also, because of the recession, credit is harder to come by. Many growers and producers borrow money to pay for seeds or equipment, or to operate or grow their businesses.

The article included a link to the UC Ag Issues Center Web site.