US produce industry’s return to pre-COVID employment, wages
The U.S. fresh produce and floral industries support 2.2 million total jobs across all 50 states and $120.1 billion in labor income, nearly reaching pre-COVID levels, according to an economic impact study conducted on behalf of the IFPA.
The report highlights the significant role the industry plays not only as an employer, but as being critical to the U.S. food system.
The Economic Impact of the U.S. Fresh Produce and Floral Supply Industry, compiled by Jack Kleinhenz of Kleinhenz & Associates, marks the first time the International Fresh Produce Association, representing the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain, has conducted a comprehensive study of its role in U.S. jobs, taxes and wages. The findings highlight that the industry plays a significant economic role in each state, adding $339.4 billion to the national output in 2022. In addition, federal, state and local taxes generated by the industry, and the spin-off industry sales their activity generates, total $43.7 billion per year.
“Fresh produce and floral products are important to every single American as we not only seek to provide nutrients to keep people healthy, but employ millions of Americans and pump billions of dollars into the U.S. economy,” said Cathy Burns, CEO of IFPA. “This study, the first of its kind, highlights our vital role and affirms our commitment to making sure we continue this critical mission, supplying insights into our industry as Congress prepares to reauthorize the Farm Bill.”
Nearly 1.2 million jobs are directly tied to the industry’s 2022 operations. The absolute number of employees involved in the fresh produce and floral supply industry had declined by 4% from 1.18 million workers in 2017 as a result of a COVID-related slowdown. The industry had 1.13 million workers in 2021 and is tracking to reach pre-pandemic levels this year.
The industry’s economic impact reaches all 50 states and the District of Columbia to varying degrees ― depending on factors such as each state’s industry mix, wage structure, spending and saving patterns, and connections to other economies. Twenty-nine states have more than 10,000 jobs attributable to the industry; only 10 states have less than 4,000. Impact encompasses a diverse range of activities and products that extends beyond farmers and producers, including marketing and distribution, retail and food services. California leads the way, representing 404,468 workers, or 35% of the industry’s employment. Washington follows with 99,320 and Florida with 82,013 workers.
IFPA is participating in the White House Nutrition Conference scheduled for September 28, 2022, where they expect a lineup of generation-defining ideas and solutions to improve access, appeal and consumption of fruits and vegetables.
