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 2023 study and website possible. We encourage you to look deeper into each industry.
American Bakers Association
American Bakers Association
“This study highlights the impact the greater food and ag sector industries have on the American economy and the sector’s critical role in providing economic opportunity, nutritional value, and safe food for all Americans.”
Eric Dell, President and CEO, American Bakers Association
American Farm Bureau Federation
American Farm Bureau Federation
“American agriculture is really the foundation of our lives and our economy. This study reveals the numbers, and maybe some of the spirit, of this one indispensable sector.”
Roger Cryan, Chief Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation
American Frozen Food Institute
American Frozen Food Institute
“Households across America rely on frozen food and beverages for convenient, delicious and healthful mealtime options. The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) is proud to represent the growers, manufacturers and ingredient suppliers who help feed nearly every family in the country. With more than 670,000 jobs and $65 billion in sales, America’s frozen food industry is an important part of our food and agricultural economy.”
Alison Bodor, President and CEO, American Frozen Food Institute
American Soybean Association
American Soybean Association
“Looking to the potential of new biobased markets and the innumerable uses of America’s agriculture products, the value provided by our farmers and ranchers in supplying food, fuel, fiber and so much more is extraordinary. According to a United Soybean Board/Soy Checkoff and National Oilseeds Processors Association study, soybean production alone accounts for close to 150,000 jobs, more than $6 billion in wages and $86.5 billion in revenues. That’s not even counting secondary soy markets and supporting industries—like biofuels, grain elevators, feed mills, ports, rail, refining, barge, and more—which bring soy’s national revenue impacts to $115.8 billion and counting.”
Daryl Cates, President, American Soybean Association and Illinois soy farmer
Association of Equipment Manufacturers
Association of Equipment Manufacturers
“Equipment manufacturers are the first piece of the puzzle in getting food from the farm to the table, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers is proud to play a role in this effort. The Feeding the Economy report demonstrates the power of the agriculture industry while spotlighting the important contributions of this vital industry to our national economy. It is imperative that our elected officials continue strengthening the farm economy by supporting policies that empower rural America.”
Megan Tanel, President, Association of Equipment Manufacturers
Corn Refiners Association
Corn Refiners Association
“The food and agriculture industries are the backbone of the American economy, supporting more than 46 million jobs through direct and indirect employment. In fact, there are more than twice as many U.S. jobs manufacturing agricultural products as there are in auto and truck manufacturing. This year, the resiliency and recovery of the food and agriculture sector are clearly shown – all 50 states display increased economic output in the 2023 report compared to the 2022 report.”
John Bode, President and CEO, Corn Refiners Association
CropLife America
CropLife America
“The Feeding the Economy report has focused on the jobs and economic activity created across the food value chain--from crop inputs to the services that it takes to put food on the table. Today, in the face of supply chain disruptions and the Ukraine Conflict, we truly need to think about the urgent need to feed people in addition to the important role that agriculture plays in our economy.”
Chris Novak, President & CEO, CropLife America
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
Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils
Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils
“The Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils (ISEO) represents the nation’s refiners of edible fats and oils producing approximately 95% of the U.S. domestic supply used for baking, frying, cooking and also as ingredients in a wide variety of foods and personal care products from confections to cosmetics to renewable energy sources. From the kernel to the customer, from the oilseed to the end user, ISEO is proud to support Feeding the Economy which showcases the vast economic contribution the food industry supply chain has on the U.S. and global economy.”
Kailee Tkacz Buller, President and CEO, Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils
International Dairy Foods Association
International Dairy Foods Association
“America’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry supports more than 3.3 million jobs that generate $41.6 billion in direct wages and $753 billion in overall economic impact. From farms to manufacturing facilities to retail stores, U.S. dairy foods makers are providing affordable, sustainable nutrition to consumers everywhere while supporting good-paying jobs and giving back to our communities. ”
Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
“'Feeding the Economy' in concert with National Ag Day celebrates the collective impact that everyone working to grow, process and produce our food has on the economy. State departments of agriculture recognize that a thriving U.S. agricultural industry feeds our U.S. economy and nourishes the world through international trade. We’re proud that today’s report proves our industry’s continued strength across the states and around the globe.”
Ted McKinney, CEO, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Grain and Feed Association
National Grain and Feed Association
“Feeding the Economy demonstrates how agriculture is connected to each stage of the supply chain, every item in the grocery store and relied upon by multiple other indispensable industries. The report provides insightful data and research on how the food and agriculture industry consistently generates a positive trade balance as well as millions of jobs while boosting economic vitality in rural and urban areas.”
Mike Seyfert, President and CEO, National Grain and Feed Association
National Grocers Association
National Grocers Association
“The food and agriculture sector continues to be robust, and independent grocery operators play a large part in that success, driving sales and jobs directly and indirectly connected to the industry. Independent grocers bring nutrition to the food insecure, support community institutions and are on the front lines in times of crisis. In neighborhoods across America, urban and rural, independent operators herald vibrant communities – they are engines for economic growth. ”
Greg Ferrara, President and CEO, National Grocers Association
National Milk Producers Federation
National Milk Producers Federation
“The Feeding the Economy report spotlights the crucial role that dairy and other agricultural exports plays in the U.S. economy. Despite headwinds – including supply chain challenges and a growing competitive tariff disadvantage without U.S. engagement in comprehensive trade negotiations – U.S. dairy exports broke records in 2022, with nearly a fifth of total milk production ending up in foreign markets. This growth delivers a real financial impact for farmers and workers throughout the supply chain, building a resilient industry and strengthening rural communities. To best capitalize on that momentum and the benefits that exports deliver to U.S. dairy farmers, workers and companies, we need a robust approach to trade policy that opens new markets and insists on our trading partners’ compliance with their obligations.”
Jim Mulhern, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation
National Pork Producers Council
National Pork Producers Council
“The U.S. agriculture sector, including the pork industry, is an important pillar of the U.S. economy and local communities across America. From farm to fork, the combined economic contribution from the pork industry supports more than 600,000 jobs and generates $36 billion in personal income, keeping kitchens stocked with a quality, nutritious and affordable source of protein.”
Bryan Humphreys, CEO, National Pork Producers Council
North American Meat Institute
North American Meat Institute
“U.S. agriculture provides nourishment for the world, but we also provide sustainability, jobs and significant economic investment in our communities here at home.”
Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO, North American Meat Institute
Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association
Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association
“The Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA) is proud to continue our support of Feeding The Economy, as monitoring critical data and meaningful economic information pertaining to the US Ag/Food industry is more important than ever.”
Jeannie Shaughnessy, CEO, Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association
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 & CEO, SNAC International
U.S. Dairy Export Council
U.S. Dairy Export Council
“Despite the many challenges of the last few years – from COVID to supply chain disruptions to inflation – U.S. dairy exports continued to grow, to well over $9 billion in value in 2022. More than just a record number, this report highlights how these exports and the agricultural industry at large support thousands of American dairy farmers and workers and supplies the world with nutritious and sustainable products when it’s needed the most.”
Krysta Harden, President and CEO, U.S. Dairy Export Council
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