Our Farmers Have A Lot To Be Proud Of . . .

Americans spend just 10 percent of their disposable income on food for their families each year (the lowest average in the world!)

America’s farmers are the world’s most productive. Today, each U.S. farmer produces food and fiber for 144 people.

There are 2.13 million farms in the USA, with almost 99 percent owned by individuals, family partnerships or family corporations.

Agriculture employs more than 24 million American workers (17 percent of the total US. work force) to produce, process, sell and trade the nation’s food and fiber.

About 17 percent of all USAagriculture products are exported each year, including 99 million tons of grains and feed, 2.4 million tons of poultry meats, and 2 m1llion tons of fresh vegetables. Without agricultural exports, our balance of trade and our economy would be in ruins.

During the 2004 fiscal year, $62 billion worth of American agricultural products were exported around the world. The United States sells more food and fiber than we import, creating a positive agricultural trade balance.

Ethanol and bio diesel fuels made from corn, soybeans and other crops are beneficial. to the environment and promote energy security.

In 1980, farmers received 31 cents out of every dollar spent on food 1n America. Today, farmers and ranchers receive only 22 cents out of every dollar that is spent on food that is eaten at home and away from home. The rest goes for costs beyond the farm gate: wages and materials for production, processing, marketing, transportation and distribution.

Alliance

Thanks the Farmers of America