American Agriculture Drives the Economy

Spring always brings a sense of excitement on the farm. There’s planning to do, seeds to get in the ground and a lot riding on the months ahead. Every decision matters, because what we do today shapes what we’re able to harvest tomorrow. But the impact of that work doesn’t stop at the farm gate.

Last week, I had the opportunity to stand at the White House alongside farmers, ranchers and Farm Bureau leaders from across the country to celebrate the role agriculture plays in our nation. Looking around, you could see farmers from every corner of the country and across different commodities, but we are all connected by the same purpose. We take very seriously our responsibility to feed, fuel and clothe this country.

According to the 2026 Feeding the Economy report, food and agriculture supports $10.4 trillion in economic output, making up one-fifth of the entire U.S. economy. That’s a powerful reminder that what starts in our fields reaches into every part of American life.

American Agriculture Supports One in Three Jobs

On the farm, it’s easy to focus on the work right in front of you. But agriculture has always been bigger than any one farm or ranch. It takes a network of people to keep things moving, from the businesses that supply inputs like seed and fertilizer, to the folks who process, transport and sell the food we produce.

Altogether, that work supports nearly 49 million U.S. jobs, or about one in every three jobs in this country. That’s not just farmers and ranchers. That’s truck drivers, grocery store employees, restaurant workers, veterinarians and so many others whose livelihoods are tied to agriculture in one way or another. Whether you live in a rural town or a big city, agriculture is part of your story.

American Agriculture Strengthens Our Economy

The work farmers do sets off a chain reaction that touches every community. Food moves from farms to processing plants, onto trucks and into stores and restaurants. Along the way, it creates jobs, generates income, and supports the services we all rely on.

That includes more than $1.3 trillion in tax revenue, helping fund everything from schools and roads to healthcare and public safety. It all starts with production on the farm, but it doesn’t end there.

When farmers are doing well, that strength carries through the entire system. When we’re struggling, it doesn’t stay contained to the countryside. It shows up across the broader economy.

Keeping American Agriculture Strong for the Future

Farmers are facing tough conditions right now. Costs are high, markets are uncertain, and for too many farmers, the math just isn’t working anymore. In some cases, we’re already seeing production decline or shift beyond our borders.

That matters because this isn’t just about food. It’s about whether the jobs and the economic strength tied to agriculture stay here in the United States. That’s why we need policies that keep farmers farming here at home. We need a new farm bill, labor reform, reliable markets and a regulatory environment that allows us to keep producing the food, fuel and fiber American families depend on.

Whether you farm five acres or 5,000, you’re part of something bigger than your own farm. You’re helping support jobs, strengthen communities and power an economy that reaches every corner of this country.

That’s something I was reminded of standing at the White House last week, and it’s something I carry with me every day on the farm. And it’s why supporting farm families should matter to every American.