Food/Agriculture Generate 20% Of U.S. Economic Activity

The annual Feeding the Economy Report is out, providing a comprehensive look at the full economic footprint of American food and agriculture.

Among the report’s biggest takeaways is that food and agriculture support $10.4 trillion in total U.S. economic output, representing about 20% of all economic activity.  The sector supports almost 29 million jobs, or roughly 30% of total U.S. employment, even though on-farm jobs account for less than 2%.  Food and agriculture generate over $1.3 trillion in tax revenue, reinforcing their role as a foundation of local, state, and federal economies.  

When looking Northwest Ag and Food numbers:

• Idaho, the sector is responsible for 395,375 jobs, and $94.5 billion in total output
• Oregon, Ad and Food is responsible for 692,731 jobs, and $136.07 billion in total output
• Washington, the sector is responsible for 1,109,041 jobs and $250.6 billion in total output. 

Click Here to read the state-by-state report.

Report authors said it highlights a broad reality: agriculture is not just one sector of the overall economy, but it is a foundational driver of economic activity, supporting millions of jobs, trillions in output, and significant tax revenue across every state.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com