Photo by Aurela Redenica via Unsplash
A study backed by 35 leading food and agriculture organizations, including several USSA members, quantifies the vital role America’s food and agriculture industries play in the U.S. economy.
According to the 2026 Feeding the Economy report, American agriculture generates more than $10.4 trillion in economic value, accounting for nearly 20% of total U.S. output. This is a year-over-year increase of almost $894 billion, reflecting growth across the agricultural sector despite inflation, a challenging farm economy and uncertain global trade.
The sector supports 48.7 million jobs nationwide – about one in five American jobs – including nearly 24.3 million direct jobs in farming, manufacturing, processing, distribution, retail and foodservice. Direct employment has risen by 6.5% over the past decade, though job growth has slowed recently due to economic challenges.
The sector also contributes significantly to international trade, with U.S. food and agriculture exports reaching more than $177.3 billion. Despite this, exports fell by about $5.4 billion year over year, reflecting difficult market conditions and highlighting the importance of stable global markets for U.S. agriculture.
Krysta Harden, President & CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, one of the report sponsors, said, “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% 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.”
About the Feeding the Economy Report
Feeding the Economy, now in its tenth year, measures the economic impact of the U.S. food and agriculture industries. It is based on research conducted by John Dunham & Associates, funded by The Goodstone Group and sponsored by 35 organizations ranging from the American Bakers Association to the United Soybean Board. The report is supported by USSA members including the U.S. Dairy Export Council and the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council.