A coalition of 35 food and agriculture organizations on Wednesday released a sweeping new analysis of the nation’s agricultural supply chain, finding that the sector remains one of the most powerful drivers of the U.S. economy even as farmers and producers face mounting financial pressures.
The 10th annual Feeding the Economy report estimates that food and agriculture generated more than $10.4 trillion in economic activity in 2026 — nearly one-fifth of the nation’s total economic output. That marks an increase of roughly $894 billion from the previous year, underscoring continued growth across the farm-to-fork system despite inflation, a strained farm economy and uncertainty in global trade.
The report, which tracks both direct and indirect contributions across industries ranging from farming to foodservice, also found that the sector supports 48.7 million U.S. jobs. Of those, about 24.3 million are direct roles tied to production agriculture, manufacturing, processing, distribution, retail and restaurants.
While employment has expanded 6.5 percent over the past decade, job growth has slowed in the past year, reflecting headwinds in key parts of the agricultural economy. Employment in production agriculture and food manufacturing — sectors closely tied to rural communities — remained largely flat, the report found.
Wages tied to food and agriculture surpassed $3 trillion, rising 4 percent over the past year and 13 percent over the past decade, generally outpacing inflation. Food manufacturing continues to dominate as the nation’s largest manufacturing sector, employing more than 2.28 million workers.
At the same time, the report points to emerging vulnerabilities. U.S. agricultural exports totaled $177.3 billion but declined by about $5.4 billion compared with the previous year. When adjusted for inflation, export values have trended downward over the past decade, highlighting the importance of stable trade relationships and expanded market access for American producers.
The sector also remains a major source of government revenue, generating $1.35 trillion in federal, state and local taxes — a 7 percent increase year-over-year.
Taken together, the findings portray an industry that continues to underpin the broader economy while confronting a more uncertain outlook. Slowing job growth, weakening exports and persistent cost pressures are weighing on farmers and agribusinesses, even as the overall system continues to expand.
Industry groups behind the report said the data underscores both the scale of agriculture’s economic footprint and the need for policies that support producers, strengthen supply chains and maintain access to global markets.
Among the ag organizations who sponsored the report:
- American Soybean Association
- National Corn Growers Association
- U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council
- United Soybean Board
- National Pork Producers Council
- National Milk Producers Federation
- American Farm Bureau Federation,
- National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA)
- The Fertilizer Institute
CLICK HERE to read the report.
