About Feeding the Economy

“The Feeding the Economy study affirms the vital role food and agriculture play in our nation’s economic resilience and food security. Commercial bakers have long been proud partners to American agriculture, sourcing 85 percent of their core ingredients from domestic farmers. This enduring connection between bakers and farmers helps the baking industry generate nearly 800,000 American jobs and ensure families across the country can count on nutritious, delicious, accessible, and affordable baked goods every day.”

“America’s beverage industry is a distinctly American success story – powered by American workers, rooted in local communities and driving growth through innovation. For more than a century, our industry has created opportunities that support generations of workers and their families. We’re giving consumers more refreshing beverage choices that meet their needs and the clear information to empower their decisions on what is right for them. Our impact extends far beyond the 275,000 jobs we directly support. From bottlers and distributors to retailers and restaurateurs, we help support 4.5 million American jobs and generate $324 billion annually to the U.S. economy.”

“This report is a leading resource to help Congress, the Administration, and agricultural stakeholders understand the simple truth that the food and agriculture sectors are powerful economic engines that drive growth and opportunity across both rural and urban America.”

“From farm to freezer, the American Frozen Food Institute's (AFFI) members bring quality frozen foods to families across the country. This year’s Feeding the Economy report demonstrates the valuable economic footprint of the people and companies in the food and agriculture industry that make safe, wholesome meals accessible for all Americans.”

“Food security doesn’t happen by accident; it depends on a strong, reliable agricultural system. The Feeding the Economy study shows how deeply soybeans are woven into that system, supporting more than 102,000 jobs and contributing $85.7 billion in economic activity, even before accounting for the broader value chain. That scale matters because it shows the ability of U.S. agriculture to consistently provide food, feed, and fuel at home and abroad.”

“U.S. equipment manufacturers, which support 2.2 million jobs and contribute $415 billion annually to U.S. GDP, are proud to play a role in feeding the nation and the world. The 2026 Feeding the Economy report highlights the importance of the food and agriculture value chain to the U.S. economy and the need for comprehensive policies to support bolster the farm economy. When farmers and ranchers succeed, America succeeds.”

“The Consumer Brands Association proudly represents the makers of the safe, affordable and convenient products from America's trusted household brands. From food and beverage staples to household and personal care essentials, many of these products begin with agricultural ingredients rooted in American soil. 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 report underscores how a strong, connected food and agriculture system sustains communities, American jobs and long-term economic resilience.”

“Each year, the Feeding the Economy report shows how American food and agriculture power the engine of U.S. prosperity. From producers and processors to retailers, chefs, manufacturers, transportation professionals, and the scientific community, agriculture and the people who build on it form a pillar of the U.S. economy. For example, this report documents that manufacturing of agricultural products is the largest segment of America’s manufacturing sector. Agriculture and related industry touch the lives of every citizen every day while accounting for a massive share of U.S. economic activity, and I'm thrilled to see Feeding the Economy add data-driven insights to the understanding of what makes American food and agriculture so important.”

“Agriculture feeds families and drives America’s economic growth. This report underscores how farmers and the innovations that support them — including crop protection tools like pesticides — help deliver healthy, affordable, and abundant food for America’s families while strengthening jobs across the entire value chain.”

“Edible Oil Producers Association (EOPA) represents the refiners of edible fats and oils, serving as the technical expert and policy voice for the food side of the entire fats and oils sector. EOPA's members provide approximately 95% of domestic edible fats and oils, which are essential for food preparation and used as key ingredients in the majority of foods purchased in grocery stores, enjoyed in restaurants and other food service locations, and served on dinner tables across the U.S. EOPA is pleased to support the 'Feeding the Economy' report again this year -- EOPA's members are proud of their vital contributions to feeding Americans as well as their crucial role in the food supply chain, whose vast economic contributions are again highlighted in this year's report.”

“Agriculture is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy. Farm Credit is proud to support initiatives which showcase the role America’s farmers and ranchers play in contributing to America’s economic success.”

“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.”

“From agriculture to food retail, wholesale, and manufacturing, the food industry is united in its mission to deliver essential products that keep families healthy and nourished. This year’s Feeding the Economy study continues to underscore the food and agriculture sector’s far-reaching economic impact on feeding America and supporting a strong national economy— a responsibility we are proud to uphold.”

“The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) is honored to serve as a cosponsor of the 2026 Feeding the Economy report. GCCA represents all players in the global temperature-controlled supply chain; including warehousing, logistics, and transportation businesses across the United States. Collectively, our members are essential pillars of the nation’s agricultural economy, ensuring consumer safety and preserving product quality, while facilitating trade and enabling growth.”

“Whether it's milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, or dairy ingredients, American dairy companies are working to deliver healthy, safe and affordable products to people around the world, creating jobs in the process. In fact, America’s dairy industry supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact.”

“This study highlights the indispensable value of U.S. agriculture and the resilience of the fresh produce and floral industries as they continue to deliver nutritious food and meaningful products to consumers.”

“Meat and poultry processors make the nutritious protein 98% of American households purchase for their families. Meat processors contribute more than $57 billion to the U.S. economy providing more than 587,000 jobs in rural communities and big cities across the nation. Meat packers are an important part of the food value chain from the livestock producer, to the equipment manufacturer to our retail and foodservice customers, we are a growing sector whose high quality products maintain high consumer demand.”

“Manufacturers across the food and beverage supply chain continually invest in innovation, jobs, and the communities in which they operate. From small family-owned businesses to some of the world’s biggest brands, manufacturers work hard to strengthen the nation’s economy and ensure that every American has access to safe, affordable, and nutritious foods.”

“Released in conjunction with National Ag Day, the annual Feeding the Economy report spotlights the vital role farmers, ranchers and food producers play in strengthening economic growth and stability nationwide. As farmers and ranchers have faced unique challenges over the past year, today’s report offers an opportunity to celebrate the industry’s continued resiliency and progress.”

“Agriculture is the backbone of the U.S. economy, and these numbers illustrate just how critical the women and men of the food and farm sector are to the overall picture. From wheat farmers and food scientists to the hardworking people throughout the entire food value chain, many may view their contributions as small or inconsequential. In reality, as the Feeding the Economy report makes clear, they are the food heroes and economic engines strengthening their communities and fueling growth far beyond.”

“The Feeding the Economy report reinforces what family farmers and ranchers have always known: agriculture is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, touching nearly every community across the country. These numbers make clear that farmers and ranchers need long-term security and continued investment in new markets and innovative uses for their crops. If we want to sustain this economic engine, we must keep creating opportunities that allow farmers to adapt, diversify, and remain viable for generations to come.”

“NGFA is proud to represent agribusinesses responsible for ‘transforming America’s harvest’ into food, fuel, and fiber. The impact of our members, who represent almost every aspect of the supply chain, is present in each section of the Feeding the Economy report. Documenting the economic contributions of the food and agriculture industries to the U.S. economy is incredibly valuable as we strive to encourage policies that nurture international trade, support efficient and safe transportation networks, and cultivate rural economic growth.”

“Independent grocers are a critical link between food systems and the people they serve. In communities across the country, particularly those with limited retail options, these stores ensure families can reliably access nutritious food close to home. Their continued presence supports food stability while reinforcing the local economies that make community-based solutions possible.”

“Trade is playing an increasingly important role in the future of the U.S. dairy industry. The Feeding the Economy report released today shows that fair, reciprocal trade creates growth opportunities for America’s dairy farmers and the communities they support. NMPF looks forward to building new markets around the world that bring home real results for our producers.”

“The soybean processing industry purchases 3 out of every 5 rows of soybeans grown in the U.S. each year, adding value right here at home while reducing our reliance on export markets, creating strong local markets for our farmers and producing meal for livestock rations, food for Americans and biofuel feedstocks for domestic energy dominance.”

“The Feeding the Economy report confirms year after year the incredible, positive impacts of agriculture on our country, including sizable economic value. America’s 60,000-plus pork producers are proud to help drive this force that provides food, feed, fuel, fiber—and the opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves by carrying on a tradition of taking care of their families, neighbors, animals and land, and at heart, a way of living that often has been passed down for generations. U.S. pork producers are pleased to provide an affordable, nutrient-dense, delicious protein source, sales of which support a total economic contribution of $37+ billion in personal income, $62+ billion in value added (GDP), and more than 573,000 jobs in the U.S. economy.”

“The North American Millers’ Association represents millers of wheat, corn, and oats located in more than 30 states. Mills are key employers and economic drivers in rural communities across the country. About half of all American-grown wheat is used by mills in the U.S. to make flour. Our members are proud to be the indispensable link between raw grain and foods that have sustained and enriched people’s lives for centuries. The U.S. grain foods supply chain provides safe, accessible, and affordable nutrition to millions of Americans every day.”

“The nut industry is an economic powerhouse, supporting more than 515,000 jobs and contributing $148.25 billion to the U.S. economy with $10.69 billion in exports annually. Feeding the Economy magnifies data-backed proof that the entire food and beverage industry is a formidable force for the U.S. economy and global trade.”

“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, providing food, jobs, and essential materials. U.S. pet food makers proudly purchase more than $13 billion in farm products annually, supporting rural communities. The Pet Food Institute is pleased to support the Feeding the Economy report alongside our agricultural partners.”

“This year's Feeding the Economy report makes it clear: the American ag bioeconomy is becoming an increasingly powerful engine within the broader food and agriculture sector. Plant-based products are opening new revenue streams for farmers, supporting vibrant rural economies, and driving cutting-edge innovation. By turning American-grown commodities into products that are increasingly important in the daily lives of consumers, we are strengthening U.S. agriculture while advancing national security and global leadership.”

“Soybean farmers play an integral role across the food and agriculture supply chain. U.S. Soy remains America’s No. 1 agricultural export and generates a $124 billion impact on the U.S. economy. Through farmer investments in production research, market development and analysis for infrastructure improvements, the Soy Checkoff drives demand, improves on-farm resilience and creates long-term value for the nearly half-million U.S. soybean farmers.”

“The Feeding the Economy report underscores the critical role exports play in supporting U.S. dairy producers, processors, and the thousands of workers who depend on them. Meeting the nutrition needs of the 95 percent of the world’s population living outside our borders is an all-hands-on-deck challenge, and the U.S. dairy industry continues to meet and exceed expectations.”