en.Wedoany.com Report, On March 23, 2026, 35 food and agriculture groups jointly released the tenth annual "Feeding the Economy" report. This report provides an in-depth analysis of every link in the agricultural supply chain, from production to consumption, and assesses the direct and indirect contributions of the food and agriculture industry to U.S. employment, wages, economic output, and tax revenue.

According to the report's data, the U.S. food and agriculture industry generated over $10.4 trillion in economic value in 2026, accounting for approximately one-fifth of the national economy. Compared to the previous year, economic output grew by about $894 billion, demonstrating that the agricultural value chain maintained overall growth momentum despite inflationary pressures, farm economic challenges, and fluctuations in global trade.

The food and agriculture industry provided 48.7 million jobs for the U.S. economy, with nearly 24.3 million being direct employment in areas such as agricultural production, processing and manufacturing, distribution and transportation, retail, and foodservice. Over the past decade, the number of direct jobs increased by 6.5%, although the recent growth rate has slowed due to economic pressures in some sectors.

The report also points out that the food and agriculture sector generated over $3 trillion in wages for U.S. workers. Wage levels increased by 4% over the past year and have accumulated a 13% increase over the past decade, with the overall increase outpacing the inflation rate. Food manufacturing, as the largest manufacturing industry in the U.S., employs over 2.28 million workers.

U.S. food and agricultural exports exceeded $177.3 billion, a decrease of approximately $5.4 billion compared to the previous year. This highlights the importance of maintaining strong trade relationships and expanding international markets for American producers. Furthermore, the industry contributed $1.35 trillion in tax revenue to federal, state, and local governments, a 7% year-over-year increase.

While the food and agriculture industry continues to play a vital economic role, the report also reveals several challenges. Direct job growth in agricultural production and food manufacturing has plateaued, reflecting the pressures faced by farmers, producers, and rural communities. After adjusting for inflation, export value has declined over the past decade, further underscoring the critical importance of stable and reliable international markets for U.S. agriculture.