Do you know where your food comes from? For many Americans, the answer is probably “the grocery store.” Most people are unaware of the role American agriculture plays in their daily lives and what it takes to bring food to the dinner table.
However, consumers are showing a renewed interest in food production.
FoodThink data shows that 67% of consumers think it’s important to have knowledge of food production. And 65% want to know more about where their food comes from.
Agriculture is responsible for providing many of the necessities of life – food, clothing and shelter. To celebrate National Ag Day, here are a few other facts about the role of agriculture in our country (Source: AgDay.org):
- Today’s farmer feeds about 129 people in the United States and abroad. In 1960, that number was just 25.8 people per farmer.
- 42 percent of total U.S. land area is farmland.
- Almost 90 percent of U.S. farms are operated by individuals or family corporations.
- More than 15 percent of the U.S. population is employed in farm or farm-related jobs.
- U.S. consumers spend roughly 9 percent of their income on food compared to 11 percent in the United Kingdom, 17 percent in Japan, 27 percent in South Africa and 53 percent in India.
- Farmers and ranchers provide food and habitat for 75 percent of the nation’s wildlife.
If you are curious about where the food that you use to feed and sustain yourself and your family comes from, take a moment to learn more about the industry on National Ag Day.
For more insights on America’s perception of the agriculture industry, download our free FoodThink white paper, “Emerging Faith in Food Production.”
- Food Production
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