New Feeding the Economy report highlights how farms, food, and rural industries power nearly 20 percent of the U.S. economy
Those who live and work in agriculture understand its importance every day, but new research puts a powerful number behind the industry’s reach: more than $10 trillion in economic activity across the United States.
On March 23, thirty-five food and agriculture organizations released the 10th annual Feeding the Economy report, a comprehensive farm-to-fork analysis of the entire agricultural supply chain. The study examines both direct and indirect economic contributions of food and agriculture to U.S. employment, wages, economic output, and tax revenue.
According to the 2026 report, America’s food and agriculture sector generated more than $10.4 trillion in economic activity, accounting for nearly 20 percent of total U.S. economic output. That figure represents an increase of nearly $894 billion compared to the previous year, signaling growth across the agricultural value chain despite ongoing inflation pressures, challenging farm conditions, and continued uncertainty in global trade.
The report makes clear that food and agriculture remain a cornerstone of the national economy, with impacts that stretch far beyond the farm gate.
That economic engine begins on nearly two million farms and ranches, which span two out of every five American acres. From those fields and pastures, the supply chain expands rapidly, fueling jobs and innovation in food manufacturing, processing, transportation, retail, and foodservice in every state.
Overall, the sector supports nearly 49 million jobs, or about one in five American workers. These jobs span rural and urban communities alike and include roles that are critical to maintaining a resilient and efficient food system.
Nearly 200,000 food manufacturing, processing, and storage facilities employ millions of workers, including food scientists, production workers, engineers, logistics specialists, and truck drivers. These operations help ensure that American-grown products move efficiently from the field to domestic and international markets, strengthening both food security and U.S. competitiveness abroad.
The economic influence of agriculture continues at more than one million restaurant and foodservice establishments and roughly 200,000 retail food stores across the country. In these businesses, food and agriculture products drive consumer spending, support local employment, and sustain community economies nationwide.
The findings reinforce what those in agriculture have long known: the industry is not only essential to feeding the nation, but also fundamental to economic strength, job creation, and long-term growth.
As policymakers, business leaders, and consumers consider the future of the U.S. economy, the Feeding the Economy report underscores the importance of a strong, stable agricultural sector that can continue to power innovation and opportunity from farm to fork.
To explore the full findings and learn more about agriculture’s economic impact, read the complete 2026 Feeding the Economy report online.