As Americans prepare for Thanksgiving, a holiday that centers around food, family and the harvest, agriculture leaders say it’s worth reflecting on where that food comes from – and who produces it.
While the U.S. food system is supported by global trade, the vast majority of what Americans eat is still grown or raised at home. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, imports account for less than 20% of U.S. food and beverage spending, underscoring the central role of domestic agriculture in feeding the nation.
This report by Farm Flavor – a company that provides news and information about the agriculture industry – shows in the most recent year, Jackson County generated about $206 million in agricultural sales.
In Jackson County, 767 farms operate on 77.9% of its total land area, with agriculture making up 1.2% of the county's total employment.
The full report covers nearly 3,000 U.S. counties and all 50 states.
