Farmers support economy jobs and secure food supply chain
Each morning, farmers and ranchers across the country begin their work before sunrise. They grow the food, fiber, and renewable fuels that Americans rely on every day. Their dedication supports not only daily needs but also powers a significant part of the national economy.
According to the latest Feeding the Economy report, agriculture plays a major role in the United States. While fewer than 2% of Americans are farmers, they support 100% of the population. The agriculture supply chain—which includes everyone from equipment makers to grocery stores—makes up more than one-seventh of the national economy. In 2024, its total impact reached $9.5 trillion, equal to one-third of the U.S. economy. If it were a country, this supply chain would be the third-largest economy globally.
This success story also fuels jobs. In 2024, agriculture added over 1 million jobs, with the total number of direct jobs reaching 24 million. When related sectors are included, agriculture supports over 47 million jobs in the U.S.
Despite this success, many challenges remain. Farmers face inflation, labor shortages, and an outdated farm bill. As a result, farm bankruptcies rose by 55% from 2023 to 2024, and over 141,000 farms closed between 2017 and 2022.
Farm Bureau continues to advocate for stronger support for agriculture. The organization works with lawmakers to ensure farmers have the tools and resources they need.
Agriculture remains a strong foundation of the nation. With continued support, American farmers can keep feeding the country and fueling the economy for generations.
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