The Feeding the Economy food and agriculture sector economic impact study represents the contributions of a very broad combination of industries. Special recognition is given to those below who helped make the 2025 study and website possible. We encourage you to look deeper into each industry.
American Bakers Association
American Bakers Association
“The Feeding the Economy report affirms the vital role the food and agriculture sector plays in our nation's economy. It's a testament to the hard work and resilience of everyone involved in this industry, from the farm to the bakery and beyond.”
Eric Dell, President and CEO, American Bakers Association
American Farm Bureau
American Farm Bureau Federation
“Agriculture’s impact all the way through the economy is enormous. The Feeding the Economy project helps show us how critical farming is to America’s economic and national security and to the well-being of the American people.”
Roger Cryan, Chief Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation
American Frozen Food Institute
American Frozen Food Institute
“The frozen food industry is an important part of America’s food supply. Through freezing, frozen food makers lock in the nutrition and taste of our favorite ingredients and meals, making foods available year-round and cutting down on food waste. The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) is proud to support this year’s Feeding the Economy study and highlight the unquestionable value of our food and agriculture sector.”
Alison Bodor, President and CEO, American Frozen Food Institute
American Peanut Council
American Peanut Council
“The U.S. peanut industry plays a vital role in the economy, contributing over $1 billion in farm value annually. It is a key driver of economic activity in rural communities, where peanuts are grown and processed. The industry supports thousands of jobs, ranging from farmers to processors, and extends to distribution and research sectors. Beyond direct employment, it strengthens rural economies by creating opportunities in local businesses and agricultural innovation. As one of the nation's most valuable crops, peanuts contribute to both economic growth and community development. This study is important as it shows the critical importance all agriculture sectors play in driving a robust economy.”
Richard Owen, CAE, President & CEO, American Peanut Council
American Soybean Association
American Soybean Association
“Agriculture not only provides food, feed, fuel and fiber domestically and globally but also is a significant contributor to the U.S. economy and food security—and the Feeding the Economy study demonstrates this value. Soybean production alone accounts for 102,000 jobs, more than $4.6 billion in wages and $85.7 billion in total economic impact. That’s not even counting secondary soy markets and supporting industries that bring soy’s national full-time equivalent jobs to 223,000 and revenue to $124 billion and counting. Feeding the Economy’s report goes well beyond soy to show the even greater, widespread significance of U.S. agriculture.”
Caleb Ragland, American Soybean Association President and Magnolia, Kentucky, soy farmer
Consumer Brands Association
Consumer Brands Association
“The Consumer Brands Association proudly represents the makers the products consumers choose and the brands they trust. From food and beverage to household and personal care products, the consumer packaged goods industry is the largest domestic manufacturing sector by employment, supporting more than 22 million good-paying jobs and contributing $2.5 trillion to the U.S. GDP. This study highlights the consequential role this sector plays in powering our economy and supporting American jobs across communities.”
Melissa Hockstad, President & CEO, Consumer Brands Association
Corn Refiners Association
Corn Refiners Association
“Despite difficult economic times for producers and a whole host of challenges for the nation’s ag manufacturers, the American food and agriculture sector remains a cornerstone of the overall U.S. economy. Together, producers, processors, retailers, chefs, manufacturers, transportation professionals, and the scientific community they depend upon are truly Feeding the American economy. To ensure the strength of the national economy and one of its most essential industries, it is critical to understand the immense impact of the agriculture industry on a range of economic indicators, including jobs, wages, taxes, and exports.”
John Bode, President and CEO, Corn Refiners Association
CropLife America
CropLife America
“Spanning the entire food value chain, the Feeding the Economy report is an incredibly useful tool to share the economic contributions of the agricultural industry with lawmakers and American consumers. The report highlights the significant economic impact of America’s food and agriculture sector, including that of the pesticide industry. We are very proud of the role our members’ tools and technologies play in supporting a safe, affordable, and healthy food supply for American families and many around the world.”
Alexandra Dunn, President and CEO, CropLife America
Edible Oil Producers Association
Edible Oil Producers Association
“Edible Oil Producers Association (EOPA) represents the refiners of edible fats and oils who produce approximately 95% of the U.S. domestic supply used to prepare food and as ingredients in a wide variety of foods and beverages purchased in grocery stores and other retail locations, provided in food service, and served on America’s dinner tables. EOPA is pleased to again support Feeding the Economy, and EOPA’s members are proud to play a role in the vast economic contribution made by the food supply chain showcased in the report.”
Claudia Larson, PhD, President & CEO, Edible Oil Producers Association
The Fertilizer Institute
The Fertilizer Institute
“What fertilizer brings to the table is essential: sustainable solutions to feed a growing global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050. The U.S. fertilizer industry is proud to provide the innovative crop nutrients that ensure food security while strengthening communities nationwide. Each year, fertilizer delivers $37 billion in wages, supports half a million jobs, and has an economic impact of $140 billion. We’re proud to play a pivotal role in feeding both the world and the economy.”
Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO, The Fertilizer Institute
FMI - The Food Industry Association
FMI - The Food Industry Association
“From the agriculture sector to food retail, wholesale and product manufacturers - the entire food industry connects shoppers to essential products they need to keep their families healthy and nourished. This year’s Feeding the Economy study continues to demonstrate the powerful economic impact of the food and agriculture sector on feeding America and growing the nation’s economy – responsibilities we all take very seriously.”
Leslie G. Sarasin, President and CEO, FMI – The Food Industry Association
Global Cold Chain Alliance
Global Cold Chain Alliance
“The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) is proud to cosponsor the Feeding the Economy Report that highlights the contributions of the food and agriculture sector to the U.S. economy. GCCA represents all major industries engaged in temperature-controlled warehousing, logistics and transportation. GCCA members play a critical role in the food supply chain, ensuring the safe and efficient storage and distribution of perishable products.”
Lowell Randel, Senior Vice President of Government and Legal Affairs, Global Cold Chain Alliance
International Dairy Foods Association
International Dairy Foods Association
"We celebrate the more than 3.2 million workers who bring healthy, wholesome, and nutritious U.S. dairy foods to people around the world while pumping nearly $800 billion into our nation's economy. ”
Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association
International Fresh Produce Association
International Fresh Produce Association
"This study further proves the value and worth of the agricultural sector to the overall U.S. economy. The resilience of fresh produce and floral industries is on full display as they continue to develop innovations and solutions to meet consumer needs."
Cathy Burns, CEO, International Fresh Produce Association
Meat Institute
Meat Institute
“Meat packers and processors are a critical part of the nation's food value chain which produces safe, affordable and wholesome protein for consumers. This work contributes to the health and economic growth and of all communities - large and small.”
Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO, Meat Institute
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
“The annual Feeding the Economy report alongside National Ag Day illuminates the essential contributions of farmers, ranchers and all food producers, driving economic growth and stability for the entire nation. As we celebrate National Agriculture Day, we’re proud that today’s report demonstrates the continued strength our industry of both across the states and globally.”
Ted McKinney, CEO, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Association of Wheat Growers
National Association of Wheat Growers
“Agriculture is the backbone of the U.S. economy. These numbers show the importance of ensuring our nation’s producers have the long term security they need to run successful operations. The research completed by Feeding the Economy is instrumental in commodity organizations' work to advocate for growers. NAWG is proud to support the work done by Feeding the Economy.”
Chandler Goule, CEO, National Association of Wheat Growers
National Fisheries Institute
National Fisheries Institute
“The commercial seafood industry is a driver of U.S. jobs and a staple of nutrition-based public health initiatives, in addition to being a source of delicious, affordable protein.”
Lisa Wallenda Picard, President & CEO, National Fisheries Institute
National Grocers Association
National Grocers Association
"From bustling city corners to the heart of rural America, independent grocers are lifelines, ensuring access to fresh foods for families who might otherwise have limited options. They're more than just supermarkets; they're vital community hubs and powerful economic engines, employing over a million Americans and contributing billions in wages and taxes across the country."
Greg Ferrara, President and CEO, National Grocers Association
National Milk Producers Federation
National Milk Producers Federation
“Dairy farmers sustain jobs, strengthen communities, and power our economy while producing one of the most nutritious foods on earth. This report highlights their critical contributions to supporting workers and families throughout the United States.”
Gregg Doud, President & CEO, National Milk Producers Federation
National Oilseed Processors Association
National Oilseed Processors Association
“National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) member companies produce the meal that feeds our livestock and the oil that powers our food sector and renewable fuels industries. Collectively, NOPA’s 18 members process over half of the U.S. soybean crop each year. NOPA is proud to help sponsor the ‘Feeding the Economy’ study which showcases the broad economic contribution of the U.S. agricultural and food supply chain.”
Devin Mogler, President & CEO, National Oilseed Processors Association
National Pork Producers Council
National Pork Producers Council
“The Feeding the Economy report highlights the influence that American agriculture, especially the pork industry, has on the U.S. economy. More than 60,000 U.S. pork producers bolster the agricultural supply chain, supporting more than 610,000 jobs and contributing more than $57 billion to the U.S. GDP, while providing a safe, nutritious, and affordable source of protein to consumers around the world.”
Bryan Humphreys, CEO, National Pork Producers Council
North American Millers' Association
North American Millers' Association
"The North American Millers’ Association represents millers of wheat, corn, and oats located in more than 30 states. Our members are proud to be the indispensable link between raw grain and healthy, delicious products that have sustained and enriched people’s lives for centuries. As the numbers in this study show, millers - along with the millions of workers across the entire food and agriculture sector - are working tirelessly to feed our communities and country.”
Jane DeMarchi, President, North American Millers' Association
Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association
Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association
“The American nut industry continues to be a powerhouse, creating millions of jobs and contributing billions of dollars globally. PTNPA Members are formative leaders and collaborators who shape the economy through the creation of vital nut industry-wide products and services. This report highlights economic impact and progress and also tells the story of resilience in the face of constant food sector challenges.”
Jeannie Shaughnessy, CEO, Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association
Plant Based Products Council
Plant Based Products Council
“The American ag bioeconomy is just one component of the growing food and agriculture industry in the United States, and I’m happy to see the economic impact of innovation across the value chain highlighted in this year’s Feeding the Economy report. Plant-based products made from renewable feedstocks represent a promising possibility to grow American agriculture even more, giving consumers the product options they are demanding while offering additional market opportunities for farmers and quality jobs in rural America.”
James Glueck, Executive Director, Plant Based Products Council
SNAC International
SNAC International
“The snack industry is proud to be a vital part of the U.S. economy and food and agriculture sectors, employing over 395,000 Americans who play an important role in providing a sense of comfort and excitement in consumers’ everyday lives. The snack industry continues to grow each year, boosting the economy and creating employment opportunities. Our snack industry workers, from processors and manufacturers to seasoning and packaging producers, are committed to providing nutritious, fun, and innovative snacks to consumers across the U.S.”
Christine Cochran, President, SNAC International
U.S. Dairy Export Council
U.S. Dairy Export Council
“The Feeding the Economy report underscores the essential role American dairy producers and processors plays in sustaining global food security and economic vitality. U.S. dairy exports not only nourish communities worldwide but also drive economic growth, supporting millions of jobs across the supply chain. We look forward to building upon this important base and growing opportunities for generations of American workers to come.”
Krysta Harden, President and CEO, U.S. Dairy Export Council
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