The Many Ways a Thriving Agricultural Sector is Beneficial

Inflation has been a hot topic for several years running. Many businesses have been forced to raise their prices in an effort to combat a host of variables, including materials costs, labor shortages and political uncertainty across the globe. That’s been hard on consumers’ and business owners’ pocketbooks, and precisely when inflation will simmer down remains a mystery.

Though the cost of many goods and services has skyrocketed in recent years, discussions about inflation often focus on the rising cost of groceries. According to USDA Economic Research, food prices in the United States rose 23.6% between 2020 and 2024. That’s led many people to cut back on luxuries like dining out. As people dine out less, they may be looking to expand their culinary horizons at home, and that goal is best achieved when the agricultural sector is put in position to meet consumer demands. Indeed, that link is just one of the many ways that a thriving agricultural sector benefits everyone.

• A strong agricultural sector greatly benefits the economy. Job creation is widely cited as a pathway to economic recovery, and a well-supported agricultural sector can create millions of jobs. The agricultural tech firm Sabanto estimates 2025 began with around 2.4 million unfilled jobs within the agricultural sector. A 2022 report from Maryville University indicated the agricultural sector contributes $7 trillion to the U.S. economy, employing as much as 10.3% of the nation’s workers. The link between a thriving agricultural sector and a strong economy is undeniable, making it a worthy endeavor to support policies that prioritize agriculture.

• A thriving farm is a productive farm. Modern grocery stores offer an abundance of healthy foods, and many of those foods are grown on farms. The Farm Bureau reports that a single acre of land can grow various crops, producing as much as 50,000 strawberries or just under 2,800 bushels of wheat. Consumers who enjoy visiting grocery stores that offer an array of fresh, nutritious foods, including fruits and vegetables, should know that those options are only available when a thriving agricultural sector is prioritized.

• Farms are vital to production of other products as well. Maryville University notes a thriving agricultural sector is involved in more than just food production. IFP Energies notes that bio-based chemistry uses raw materials derived from biomass, such as plants like wheat, corn and potatoes, to produce an array of products, including inks, dyes and detergents. So it’s not just the foods people eat that can be traced to a thriving agricultural sector. Bio-based chemistry also is considered green because it promotes a reduction of the environmental impact of industrial production.