The Feeding the Economy food and agriculture industries economy study represents the impact of a very broad combination of industries, but special recognition is given to those below who helped make the 2021 study and website possible. We encourage you to look deeper into each sector.
American Bakers Association
“America’s food and agriculture workers feed the world. Their noble mission also fuels our great nation. Legislators and regulatory bodies must consider how their policy decisions affect these critical infrastructure sectors. The American Bakers Association is delighted to be a part of the launch of the updated research on the newly refreshed FeedingTheEconomy.com website. We encourage everyone to explore the new data and enhanced information.”
American Farm Bureau Federation
“The agriculture and food industries in the U.S. feed, clothe and fuel the American economy. Not only that, these sectors drive nearly 20% of U.S. economic activity and employ tens of millions of Americans. This study is critical in showing how food and agriculture support both our local and national economies.”
John Newton, Chief Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation
American Feed Industry Association
“Each day, our dedicated 944,000 essential workers report for duty, producing the safe animal food that fosters the healthy growth and development of over 9.8 billion farm animals and 135 million pets annually. But feeding America’s livestock and pets is not all that we do – we help keep our food supply stocked with affordable and nutritious protein and dairy foods and promote the vitality of our rural communities. In 2016, the U.S. animal food industry generated nearly $300 billion in sales and paid $22.5 billion in local, state and national taxes. We are interwoven into the fabric of America’s heartland and it is critical, now more than ever, that we understand the economic pressures facing the total agriculture industry so that we may continue championing policies that promote its long-term success.”
Constance Cullman, President and CEO, American Feed Industry Association
American Soybean Association
“As farmers, we understand the economic value of our livelihoods to the U.S. economy because we are managing our operations day to day, but it is important that we convey that value in a more tangible form. We take pride in what we do to provide feed, fuel, fiber and other vital resources both domestically and globally, and ASA is pleased to support the Feeding the Economy study to more clearly demonstrate the impact of our roles to our country’s economic wellbeing.”
Kevin Scott, President, American Soybean Association
Association of Equipment Manufacturers
“Agriculture, rural America, and equipment manufacturing are at the heart of the U.S. economy. It is important to recognize the contributions of our country’s agricultural community, because when farmers succeed, we all succeed.”
Biotechnology Innovation Organization
“This economic report illustrates how cutting edge technologies have enabled our farmers and producers to become global leaders in food production. To maintain this leadership and bolster our economic resilience following COVID-19, the U.S. will need to continue to pursue public policy that promotes science and innovation so we can strengthen our supply chains, increase access to nutritional foods, and combat climate change.”
Corn Refiners Association
“These numbers leave no doubt that food and agriculture remain absolutely central to our nation’s well-being, especially during a time of crisis. This data is essential for policymakers considering changes to tax and trade issues that might affect the food and agriculture sectors.”
John Bode, President & CEO, Corn Refiners Association
FMI - The Food Industry Association
“From farm to fork, the entire food industry has kept shoppers connected to essential products during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nimbleness of our food supply chain and the agility of our trading partners have played an absolutely vital role in supporting and helping Americans stay safe and well. This year’s Feeding the Economy study continues to demonstrate the powerful economic impact of the food and agriculture sector on feeding and growing the nation’s economy.”
Leslie G. Sarasin, President and CEO, FMI
Global Cold Chain Alliance
“The COVID-19 pandemic placed a spotlight on the food supply chain. Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) members continue to work around the clock with our food industry partners to ensure that consumers have reliable access to safe, high-quality food. We are proud to be an essential part of the strong and resilient food supply chain.”
Matt Ott, President & CEO, Global Cold Chain Alliance
Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils
“The nation’s refiners of edible fats and oils produce 28 billion pounds annually or approximately 95% of the domestic supply used in baking and frying fats, cooking and salad oils, margarines, spreads, confections, toppings, and ingredients in a wide variety of foods. From the kernel to the customer, from the oilseed to the end user we take pride in our workforce who manufactures, distributes and supplies quality oils for cooking and edible purposes.”
Kailee Tkacz Buller, President, Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils
International Dairy Foods Association
“The nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $159 billion in wages and $620 billion in overall economic impact. From our dairy farms, to the processors, truck drivers, equipment and packaging makers, all the way to the dairy case stockers at your local grocery store, the people who make up the U.S. dairy industry are the world’s best at delivering safe, nutritious dairy foods to consumers everywhere.”
Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA)
“NASDA members advance the more than two million farms across the country and support all those who produce and secure our food supply. Today’s Feeding The Economy report allows us to better recognize the work of these individuals, understand how we can work together to overcome the pandemic and promote agriculture’s monumental contribution to our national economy.”
Dr. Barb Glenn, CEO, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Confectioners Association
“The confectionery industry spans the entire country and plays an important role in the U.S. economy. With nearly 1,300 manufacturing facilities in all 50 states, American workers are creating American products in American towns and cities. We provide thousands of good-paying jobs in the communities where we work and live, and we support hundreds of thousands more beyond that. In fact, for every job created in confectionery manufacturing, another ten are supported in related industries, creating a 1:10 multiplier effect. That’s what we call the Power of Sweet.”
National Grain and Feed Association
“The food and agriculture industry, which encompasses grain, animal food, processing and export businesses represented by NGFA, is America's largest manufacturing sector, consistently generating a positive trade balance and generating millions of jobs across the U.S. economy.”
National Grocers Association
“Locally owned, independent grocers are key contributors to the economic footprint of the food and agriculture sector and with stores located in every single congressional district, they are the backbone of their communities through the jobs they create, taxes they pay and services they provide.”
National Pork Producers Council
“Beyond the significant contribution to our economy, the role our food and agriculture systems play in providing affordable and abundant food and fiber to our citizens is critical for our nation. That’s why it’s imperative that our essential food and agriculture workers receive the COVID-19 vaccine as quickly as possible.”
Neil Dierks, CEO, National Pork Producers Council
North American Meat Institute
“The pandemic has shown all Americans that the nutritious, safe and affordable meat and poultry we feed to our families relies on the hardworking men and women who work in the meat and poultry industry. This industry and its workforce are an essential part of the food value chain, which as this study proves, are essential to the economy and the national security of the nation.”
Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO, North American Meat Institute
SNAC International
“In 2020, COVID-19 highlighted our snack industry workers’ role in providing a sense of comfort and excitement to consumers’ everyday lives. In particular, 85% of national respondents say eating their favorite snack creates a sense of normalcy. The snack industry also 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.”
Elizabeth Avery, President & CEO, SNAC International
USA Rice
“Production agriculture increases economic prosperity for American families everywhere. On average each rice farming operation contributes more than $1 million to the local community. The men and women of the U.S. rice industry are honored and proud to feed both the economy and the world.”
Betsy Ward, President & CEO, USA Rice
