According to the 2024 Feeding the Economy report, food and agriculture in Alabama provides the state with an annual $51.24 billion economic impact and also establishes 334,548 jobs statewide.
The industries also accounted for $11.89 billion in wages for Alabama workers.
“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 Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy 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.”
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When accounting for food, agriculture, and also associated businesses, the impact doubles. The three industries combined have produced 651,541 jobs, $30.87 billion in wages, and a staggering annual economic impact of $123.79 billion.
Additionally, Alabama’s farm and food sectors are responsible for more than $13.15 billion in state and federal tax contributions.
Nationally, the food and agriculture sector directly supports nearly 24 million jobs, which is over 15% of total U.S. employment. It is also responsible for over $9.6 trillion of the country’s economic activity – that’s 20% of total U.S. output.
This year’s report can be found at www.FeedingTheEconomy.com.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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