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Plant Based Products Council Highlights Economic Impact and Manufacturing Jobs in New Feeding the Economy Report
New report underscores the scale of the food and agriculture sector and the importance of policies that strengthen American agriculture and the bioeconomy
March 23, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) today joined a collection of 35 food and agriculture trade associations to release the 2026 Feeding the Economy report, which shows that America’s food and agriculture industries generate more than $10.4 trillion in economic activity and support nearly 49 million jobs across the United States.
The report demonstrates that agriculture remains one of the most powerful economic engines in the United States, responsible for nearly 20% of total U.S. economic output and about one in five American jobs. Those jobs include professionals working in the U.S. ag bioeconomy, an innovation-driven sector that transforms agricultural commodities and renewable plant-based materials into products ranging from sustainable packaging and bioplastics to textiles, chemicals, and materials. As the ag bioeconomy expands, it creates new markets for farmers, strengthens domestic manufacturing, and helps ensure that American agriculture remains globally competitive.
“America’s agriculture industry is an economic powerhouse that drives innovation, job creation, and economic opportunity in communities across the country,” said James Glueck, Executive Director of the Plant Based Products Council. “Plant-based products are a critical part of that story. By turning agricultural feedstocks into innovative materials and products, the ag bioeconomy is helping unlock new value for American farmers and manufacturers while supporting economic growth in our communities.”
According to the 2026 report, America’s food and agriculture sectors support more than 48.7 million jobs nationwide, including nearly 24.3 million direct jobs, and generate more than $3 trillion in wages for American workers.
The Feeding the Economy report analyzes the full food and agriculture supply chain—from agricultural production and food manufacturing to transportation, retail, and food service—to measure the industry’s total economic footprint across the United States.
For more information and to read the full report, visit: www.feedingtheeconomy.com
About the Plant Based Products Council
The Plant Based Products Council is an association of like-minded organizations that are advocating for a shift toward a more circular bioeconomy through greater adoption of renewable, plant-based materials supported by appropriate end-of-life infrastructure. We educate stakeholders and advocate for programs and policies that will support the growth of the plant-based products industry, helping to harness its economic potential to deliver a more sustainable future. Learn more at www.pbpc.com.