Agriculture Feeds U.S. Economy

By Marlee Jackson
(334) 613-4219

Food and agriculture impact nearly 20% of the U.S. economy, according to an annual farm-to-fork report that analyzes the entire agricultural supply chain.

Now in its tenth year, Feeding the Economy spells good news for an essential industry that's still feeling the pinch of economic pressures, said Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

"Farming and farm products provide security for so many American families, not just in the food they eat but in the jobs they're able to keep," said Parnell, a Chilton County farmer whose family runs a timber and cattle operation. "We need to remember that and support the folks who keep this country going."

Nationwide, the 2026 report confirms that food and agriculture generate $10.42 trillion in economic value.

This marks an increase of nearly $894 billion year-over-year, reflecting growth across the agricultural value chain amid ongoing inflation pressures, a challenging farm economy and an uncertain global trade environment.

Those industries make up a large portion of Alabama's proverbial economic pie, too.

In Alabama, food and agriculture directly provide:

• 351,999 jobs
• $13.26 billion in wages
• $57.85 billion in economic impact

When accounting for food, agriculture and associated businesses, the impact doubles. Those industries contribute:

• 666,481 jobs
• $35.31 billion in wages
• $134.82 billion in economic impact

Additionally, Alabama's farm and food sectors contribute more than $13.67 billion in business taxes.

Nationally, food and agriculture's employment opportunities have grown by 6.5% in the last decade, though job growth slowed in 2025.

U.S. food and agriculture directly provide:

• 24.30 million jobs
• $1.08 trillion in wages
• $4.33 trillion in economic impact

Combined with associated industries, national numbers climb even higher to:

• 48.73 million jobs
• $3.01 trillion in wages
• $10.42 trillion in economic impact

The industries' cumulative business taxes are responsible for $1.35 trillion in tax contributions.

Learn more at FeedingTheEconomy.com.