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 2022 study and website possible. We encourage you to look deeper into each sector.
American Beverage Association
American Beverage Association
“The more than 265,000 men and women of the non-alcoholic beverage industry work hard every day to bring to market a diverse array of beverage choices including carbonated soft drinks (many with no sugar) bottled water, sparking water beverages, 100% percent juice and juice drinks, sports drinks, ready-to-drink teas and energy drinks. We are proud to be part of the vibrant community of agriculture, food production and retail partners that are responsible for nearly one-fifth of the country’s economic activity. Together, we bring consumers the safe, nutritious, affordable foods and beverages they want in every city and town across the United States, supporting both the local economies where we live and work and the nation we feed and fortify.”
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 Feed Industry Association
American Feed Industry Association
“Over 9.8 billion farm animals and 135 million pets rely on our nearly 1 million essential workers to provide safe animal food to foster healthy growth and development. While feeding America’s livestock and pets, we also help keep our food supply stocked with affordable and nutritious protein and dairy foods and promote the vitality of our rural communities. With nearly $300 billion in sales and a resulting $22.5 billion to local, state and national governments, we are interwoven into the fabric of America’s heartland. It is imperative, 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
American Soybean Association
“Food and agriculture play a vital role in not only feeding the country but ensuring a thriving U.S. economy. The Feeding the Economy study shines a spotlight on little known, yet critical information on our significant contributions to everyday American life and the continued economic success of our nation. The American Soybean Association is proud to support this handy tool—an outstanding reference when connecting with both policymakers and consumers, who rely on a steady supply chain but aren’t always familiar with food and ag’s economic significance.”
Brad Doyle, President, American Soybean Association and Arkansas soy grower
Association of Equipment Manufacturers
Association of Equipment Manufacturers
“The off-road equipment manufacturing industry supports 2.8 million jobs in the U.S. and contributes $288 billion a year to the U.S. economy. Agriculture, rural America, and equipment manufacturing are at the heart of the U.S. economy, as demonstrated once again by this year’s Feeding the Economy study. We need to continue to recognize the immense economic impact and contributions of the food and agriculture sector, because when farmers succeed, we all succeed.”
Biotechnology Innovation Organization
Biotechnology Innovation Organization
“The Feeding the Economy report continues to illustrate the role cutting edge technologies have in increasing agriculture production and strengthening America’s bioeconomy. We must build on this progress and encourage policies that embrace science so we can enhance our supply chains, increase access to nutritional foods, and combat climate change.”
Corn Refiners Association
Corn Refiners Association
“The new Feeding the Economy report highlights how food and agriculture overcame pandemic disruptions to continue to serve as a bedrock of the U.S. economy.”
John Bode, President & CEO, Corn Refiners Association
CropLife America
CropLife America
“From a researcher on campuses, to a geospatial engineer, to the grocery delivery driver--food and agriculture jobs are all around us. The innovation needed to continue to grow food, sustainably, for everyone, will spur economic growth in agriculture for the next decade. CropLife America is proud to be Feeding the Economy through investments in new products that help farmers manage the pests that threaten the health and safety of our food crops.”
Global Cold Chain Alliance
Global Cold Chain Alliance
“2022 brings new challenges, but also new opportunities for American food and agriculture. Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) members have worked tirelessly to ensure the supply chain keeps moving and the world’s food supply is secure through uncertain times. The cold chain serves as a crucial link in the supply chain, moving over 213 billion pounds of perishable food annually. We are proud to support this year’s Feeding the Economy study as it continues to highlight the economic importance of food and agriculture.”
Matt Ott, President & CEO, Global Cold Chain Alliance
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 who produce approximately 95% of the U.S. domestic supply used as ingredients in a wide variety of foods and beverages sold and served in the retail and food service industries. 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, Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils
International Dairy Foods Association
International Dairy Foods Association
“The U.S. dairy industry supports more than 3.3 million jobs that generate $41.6 billion in direct wages and $753 billion in overall economic impact for the United States economy, delivering nutritious and sustainable food to millions each day”
Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association
International Fresh Produce Association - green
International Fresh Produce Association
“In addition to its vital role in public health, the fresh produce industry plays a major role in the economy, from growing operations throughout the country to massive supply chains bringing fruits and vegetables to the consumer.”
NASDA blue
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA)
“Feeding the Economy in concert with National Ag Day celebrates the collective impact that everyone who grows, raises, harvests and processes U.S. agricultural products have on our economy. As they work to promote their states’ agricultural products for export around the globe, state commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture recognize that a thriving U.S. agricultural industry not only feeds our economy, but also nourishes the world. ”
Ted McKinney, CEO, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Confectioners Association
National Confectioners Association
“America’s chocolate and candy companies are essential to the American workforce. The industry generates $37 billion in retail sales each year and has a significant economic impact on cities and towns across the country, operating more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities in all 50 states. In fact, for every job created in confectionery manufacturing, another eleven are supported in related industries, creating a 1:11 multiplier effect. That’s what we call the Power of Sweet.”
National Grain and Feed Association
National Grain and Feed Association
“This study shines a well-deserved spotlight on the significant economic contribution of the food and agriculture industry, which consistently generates a positive trade balance as well as millions of jobs while boosting economic vitality in rural and urban areas.”
National Milk Producers Federation
National Milk Producers Federation
“The Feeding the Economy report shines a light on the key role the food and agriculture industries play in the health of the U.S. economy. Since one of every six trucks leaving U.S. dairy farms delivers ingredients sold overseas, exports are a critical factor in these impressive economic numbers. We want to thank the thousands of individuals who make up our agricultural export value chain and who contribute so much to our American economy.”
Jim Mulhern, President & CEO, National Milk Producers Federation
National Pork Producers Council green
National Pork Producers Council
“The U.S. agriculture sector, including the pork industry, is an economic powerhouse, key to the prosperity of rural America. The U.S. pork industry employs more than 550,000 Americans and generates nearly $24 billion in personal income to keep kitchens stocked with a quality, nutritious and affordable source of protein.”
National Restaurant Association green
National Restaurant Association
“Restaurants and the agricultural community are inextricably linked. Together, we support the communities we call home with fresh ingredients and nutritious meals. America’s farmers and ranchers provide safe and abundant food options to more than one million restaurant locations, and we’re looking forward to continuing our strong partnership as the restaurant and foodservice industry continues its recovery.”
North American Meat Institute
North American Meat Institute
“The meat and poultry industry is important to the US economy from Main Street to Wall Street. Meat packers and processors keep the farm economy moving as we produce the foods Americans feed to their families.”
Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association
Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association
“The nut industry is proud to consistently generate billions of dollars in both import and export markets and is determined to continue to offer millions of jobs, build and support strong communities and work together with our food industry colleagues for the best future possible.”
The Sugar Association Inc.
The Sugar Association Inc.
“After a few years of the pandemic, consumers probably have a little more appreciation and understanding of how food makes it to their tables. This report highlights just how many dedicated individuals it takes to make that happen.”
U.S. Dairy Export Council
U.S. Dairy Export Council
“American food and agricultural exports not only help feed the world, but they also support the U.S. economy and American jobs. Last year we saw a record $7.75 billion in dairy exports alone ̶ made possible by the hard work of dairy farmers, processers, truck drivers, dock workers and thousands of others across the American supply chain. Their important work delivering nutritious products underlies the impressive data contained in this report.”
Krysta Harden, President & CEO, U.S. Dairy Export Council
