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Ninth Annual “Feeding the Economy” Report Demonstrates Immense Impact of the American Food and Agriculture Industry Amidst Economic Challenges

American agriculture contributes $9.5 trillion in economic value and 1 million jobs to national economy

March 18, 2025

Washington, D.C.–Today, 36 food and agriculture groups released the ninth annual Feeding the Economy report, a farm-to-fork study of the entire agricultural supply chain. The report analyzes the robust direct and indirect economic contributions of one of America’s most essential industries to U.S. jobs, wages, economic output, and taxes.

The 2025 report confirms the agriculture industry is at the heart of the U.S. economy, generating more than $9.5 trillion in economic value, which amounts to 18.7% of the overall national economy.

“The American ag bioeconomy is just one component of the growing food and agriculture industry in the United States, and I’m happy to see the economic impact of innovation across the value chain highlighted in this year’s Feeding the Economy report,” said Plant Based Products Council Executive Director James Glueck. “Plant-based products made from renewable feedstocks represent a promising possibility to grow American agriculture even more, giving consumers the product options they are demanding while offering additional market opportunities for farmers and quality jobs in rural America.”

Additional highlights from the 2025 Feeding the Economy report include:

  • The agriculture industry has shown significant growth since the pandemic, increasing its economic output by close to 25% and demonstrating the industry’s resilience and innovation amidst global supply chain challenges. 
  • Direct employment in food and agriculture has grown by more than 1 million jobs since 2020, contributing to overall American job growth and high U.S. employment rates.
  • The United States exports nearly $183 billion in food and agriculture products, critical to the strength and growth of our industry.

Despite these considerable gains and notable contributions to the U.S. economy, certain emerging trends represent an industry under pressure. Direct and indirect industry wages have grown year-over-year but have failed to keep pace with inflation, reflecting nationwide economic stressors and the high cost of labor for employers. Additionally, the number of agricultural manufacturing jobs has fallen year-over-year and is down nearly 30,000 jobs since 2020.

Sponsoring organizations from the food and agriculture industries who helped make the 2025 study possible provided commentary on this year’s findings. The full list of sponsoring organizations includes:

  • American Bakers Association
  • American Beverage Association
  • American Farm Bureau Federation
  • American Frozen Food Institute
  • American Peanut Council
  • American Soybean Association
  • Association of Equipment Manufacturers
  • Biotechnology Innovation Organization
  • Consumer Brands Association
  • Corn Refiners Association
  • CropLife America
  • Edible Oil Producers Association
  • The Fertilizer Institute
  • FMI-The Food Industry Association
  • Global Cold Chain Alliance
  • International Dairy Foods Association
  • International Fresh Produce Association
  • Meat Institute
  • National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
  • National Association of Wheat Growers
  • National Corn Growers Association
  • National Fisheries Institute
  • National Grain and Feed Association
  • National Grocers Association
  • National Milk Producers Federation
  • National Oilseed Processors Association
  • National Pork Producers Council
  • National Restaurant Association
  • North American Millers’ Association
  • Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association
  • Plant Based Products Council
  • SNAC International
  • The Sugar Association
  • United Soybean Board
  • U.S. Dairy Export Council
  • U.S. Grains Council

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About The Plant-Based Products Council
PBPC represents businesses large and small that are working to guide the global economy toward more sustainable and responsible consumer products and packaging through greater use of plant-based materials. We also support and advocate for programs that support the circular bioeconomy. Visit us on the web at pbpc.com.

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