In a recent report titled “The Harvest Economy,” the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) outlined the significant economic contributions of the grain and feed industry. According to NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert, the study quantifies the industry’s essential role in the U.S. economy, showing it generates over $400 billion in economic output and supports more than 1.16 million jobs.
A Nationwide Economic Engine
The report found that the industry’s economic impact extends far beyond its direct workforce, creating “hundreds of thousands of additional jobs” in supporting industries, from “transportation to equipment professional services”. All told, the industry contributes nearly $33 billion a year in taxes paid to federal, state, and local governments.
Seyfert emphasized that this economic benefit touches “every state and every congressional district”. He cited Iowa as a state where the industry’s impact tops $43 billion, but noted that even in smaller states, “1000s of jobs depend on Grain and Feed facilities”.
Data to Drive Policy
The study’s detailed breakdown of economic output by state and congressional district is intended to serve as a valuable tool for policymakers. Seyfert stated that the data will help “members of Congress and local officials understand the importance of those Grain and Feed associations in their districts”. He believes this information reinforces the need for elected officials to “continue pursuing policies that further strengthen the industry and the economic contributions”.
In conjunction with the report’s release, the NGFA launched a new website featuring an interactive platform where people can download fact sheets and explore the data at the state and congressional district levels. To access these resources, you can visit ngfa.org.
