Click here to access this exclusive Member resource.

The Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA) Operations & Technical Food Safety Forum is back for 2024, providing targeted education for professionals in the nut processing industry. With new operations and technical breakout sessions, attendees will gain critical insights tailored to their specific job functions. 

The 2024 Operations and Technical Food Safety Forum will be held June 25-26, 2024, in Rosemont, IL outside of Chicago.

"This year's Forum aims to focus content relevant to the unique roles of operations managers, food safety specialists, QA technicians, and others. The breakout sessions will allow professionals to learn from peers facing similar challenges within their areas of expertise," said Jeannie Shaughnessy, CEO, PTNPA. "The keynote presentations will provide overarching insights on critical issues impacting the entire nut industry."

The Forum features regulatory updates focused on the latest issues impacting the nut industry. Expert speakers will share best practices to protect companies’ assets, employees, and products while navigating an increasingly complex food system. Attendees will also explore how artificial intelligence and data analysis tools can enhance food safety programs.

“Food safety is a shared responsibility across the entire supply chain, from the field to finished product,” said Angelo Losurdo, Director of Quality and Food Safety at Golden Peanut, and Chair of the Forum’s organizing Technical Committee. “This event is the once-a-year opportunity to bring key stakeholders from the nut industry together to foster collaboration and build partnerships that helps protect their companies’ products, employees, and customers.”

All attendees, by participating in the Forum’s intensive agenda, will receive a Certificate of Participation from PTNPA in recognition of their dedication to food safety. Additionally, The Global Food Defense Institute will disburse Certificates of Participation for those who show commitment to advancing food system security by attending the "Food Defense: True Stories and Expert Advice" session led by Rod Wheeler.

A perennial favorite, in the food safety scenarios and working groups, professionals from various backgrounds will come together to review details of actual events from anonymous case studies. The groups will evaluate the situation from multiple perspectives to determine optimal responses and preventive actions. These collaborative discussions aim to cross-pollinate ideas and share different approaches to complex issues.

“We designed this year’s Forum to deliver relevant, actionable content for the roles and responsibilities of nut industry professionals today,” said Ryan Ososki, Advocacy and Education Specialist, PTNPA. “Between operations, quality assurance, food safety and technical positions, there are many areas of expertise needed to run a successful nut processing facility. Our goal is for attendees to leave with insights they can apply as soon as they’re back at work.”

With space for only 12 exhibitors to showcase their food safety solutions, attendees will have direct access to the resources most applicable to their work. 

"The limited number of exhibitors encourages meaningful conversations and allows for tailored recommendations to meet specific company needs," said Trish Schectman, Meetings and Events Specialist. 

"We encourage all nut processing professionals - from those just starting their careers to seasoned experts - to join us at the PTNPA Operations and Technical Food Safety Forum 2024," emphasized Ososki. "Together, we can work to advance food safety across the nut industry through education, best practice sharing, and open dialogue."

To register and view the full schedule, visit https://www.ptnpa.org/Techforum2024. 

About PTNPA Operations & Technical Food Safety Forum

The PTNPA Operations and Technical Food Safety Forum provides a critical opportunity for professionals across the nut industry to come together, learn from experts and each other, and gain insights they can implement immediately to strengthen their food safety programs. The Forum helps nut companies navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, implement new technologies into their operations, and adapt to changes in the market and supply chain.

Click below to see the highlights from a great trip. 

The Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA) recently returned from a milestone international trade visit, focused on meetings with leading cashew processors, influential governmental officials and business leaders in the Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast/IVC). The trip designed for information exchanges with the Ivory Coast’s nascent cashew processing industry also provided context, understanding, and strengthened relationships within the global nut community.

"Family Picture" with the Ivory Coast Cotton and Cashew Council and the Chamber of Commerce

The Côte d'Ivoire's Cotton and Cashew Council invited PTNPA's CEO Jeannie Shaughnessy to this multi-day, high-profile event. Shaughnessy was guided by Losseni Kone of Ivory Cashew and joined by PTNPA Member Michael Coughlin of Coughlin Insurance Services.

“Even in different languages we learned so much from each other, and more fully realize that food safety and open markets are shared priorities despite our varied geography and culture,” said Shaughnessy. “International collaboration, both import and export, will be key to the continued growth and success of our industry. We're excited to build on the relationships formed during this extremely insightful experience and will continue to expand the voice of America's nut industry on the global stage.”

PTNPA CEO Jeannie Shaughnessy addresses the media

Visiting locations including Abidjan, Toumodi, and Yamoussoukro, Shaughnessy and the delegation toured cashew processing facilities and met with government leaders including Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, the President of Côte d'Ivoire Chamber of Commerce and Industry Faman Touré, the Director General of the Cotton and Cashew Council Dr. Adama Coulibaly, Ambassador Inza Camara, Consul General, Delegate General of the Economic Promotion Service of Côte d'Ivoire to the United States, Canada, and Mexico (SPECI-USA), and the U.S. Ambassador to the Ivory Coast Jessica Davis Ba. 

With the Director General of the Cotton and Cashew Council Dr. Adama Coulibaly

Throughout the three-day tour, PTNPA and the delegation helmed briefings attended by hundreds of members of the press and public. Discussions focused on food safety systems and the expectations outlined in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), along with hopes and dreams for business growth in U.S. markets. The PTNPA highlighted the U.S. regulatory environment, industry best practices, and opportunities for continued partnership and expanded commerce.

With the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani

“We were very impressed with the strides Côte d'Ivoire’s cashew processing industry has made in building a robust economic engine that also respects the United States' rigorous food safety standards,” said Shaughnessy. “The Cote d’Ivoire’s government and businesses clearly recognize the importance of food safety in order to build customer confidence in their products. During the past five years, it appears that the IVC cashew industry has quickly implemented serious programs to successfully increase exports to the U.S. market. We look forward to continuing to support their endeavors.”

With Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé

Ivory Coast is a leading producer of cashew nuts with an estimated production of 1,225,935 tons in 2023. By 2030, the sector, with support from their government, hopes to increase production by 50%.  

“The passion and energy of the people working in the cashew industry in the Ivory Coast is magnetic and inspiring,” said Shaughnessy. 

Celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2024, PTNPA’s mission is to proactively advance the nut industry through professional networking, advocacy, and education. The vision of the PTNPA is to be “The Voice of America’s Nut Industry” on behalf of all members.

With the U.S. Ambassador to the Ivory Coast Jessica Davis Ba

“The Ivory Coast experience provided an opportunity for PTNPA to connect with an emerging nut industry, share best practices and gain insight into new market opportunities,” said Joel Perkins, PTNPA Chair and CEO of Horizon Nut Company. “Expanding our global relationships as an entire industry will benefit PTNPA Members by expanding our voice and bolstering our understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing nut industry representatives worldwide.”

To learn more about PTNPA and opportunities to get involved, visit www.PTNPA.org.

Specifically, two plea agreements were reached in criminal matters brought under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) and the industry has voluntarily formed of a sector-neutral governing body to address food traceability.

These issues are discussed in more detail below, along with an update on FDA’s budget requests for fiscal year 2025.

Click here to see the full March 2024 Food Safety Report. (Member login required)

FDA published a number of different resources across a broad array of topics including an update to Appendix 1 of the Draft Guidance on Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food, revised draft guidance on Remote Regulatory Assessments (RRAs), and a new video series on tech-enabled traceability strategies. 

In addition, FDA released an updated list of planned guidance documents and created a new website for regulations under development.  Each of these updates is summarized in more detail below.

Click here to see the full February 2024 Food Safety Report. (Member login required)

However, the agency began the year off by issuing a first of its kind report on the foodborne outbreaks and adverse events investigated by the Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation (CORE) Network in 2022.

Summarized in more detail below, the report provides an overview of the Network’s activities and data surrounding the outbreaks investigated in 2022.

Click here to see the full January 2024 Food Safety Report. (Member login required)

"The nut industry prides itself on being sincerely interested in learning about and leading the
evolution of food safety best practices. After all, it is not an overstatement to say that good food
safety outcomes are necessary for business success. Food safety is mission critical to every business
in the industry, and solid and successful programs protect brands and consumers alike. Food safety
programs also influence difficult business decisions and significant investments, including both
time and financial resources."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

This year PTNPA is organizing a product donation packing event on Capitol Hill ahead of National Nut Day on Thursday October 19th. The event will help celebrate National Nut Day and will engage with Members of Congress and their staff to share the benefits and impacts of the nut industry in the United States. 

Nut products have been donated by PTNPA members - Algood Food Company, Blue Diamond Growers, Diamond Foods, LLC, Georgia Nut Company, Hammons Black Walnuts, Severn Peanut Co., Inc./ Hampton Farms, Hormel Foods/Justin's, Hormel Foods/ Planters Nut & Chocolate Company, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., Truly Good Foods, & Pearl Crop/Octonuts. The event will benefit and support the Capital Area Food Bank and their efforts to alleviate hunger in the local region. This event wouldn't be possible without the support of our members! Thank you to all who have been able to participate by contributing a donation this year. 

PTNPA has also prepared a toolkit for members to utilize as they prepare to engage with their local representatives and celebrate National Nut Day within the context of their own nut industry business or role. This toolkit is only available to members and can be found HERE. It includes both media and advocacy resources specific to National Nut Day. 

Congratulations to Steve Zaffarano of Diamond Foods who will serve a three-year term, effective Oct. 1, 2023, through Sep. 30, 2026.

The American Pecan Promotion Board has 17 members, including 10 domestic manufacturers and seven importers. Members can serve up to two consecutive three-year terms.

More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) American Pecan Promotion Board webpage or on the board’s website at www.eatpecans.com.

READ THE ANNOUNCEMENT

The event will be hosted at The Chart House, 1700 Harbor Blvd, Weehawken, NJ, 07086. This is a benefit of membership to PTNPA!  Members are invited to join us for this regional event and are invited to bring a nut industry friend! 

Members can register to attend online HERE. 

Questions? Reach out to our Membership Specialist, Gabrielle Cirenza at gabrielle@ptnpa.org. 

These seven committees represent the diversity of the American food and agricultural sector and provide the Secretary and Trade Representative vital information related to a wide range of agricultural trade issues - the Nut Industry is well represented thanks to the PTNPA Members serving on them! 

Below are the PTNPA Members, Industry Affiliate and Associate Members who are on the 7 trade committees. 

• Julie Adams, Almond Board of California
• Aubrey Bettencourt, Almond Alliance of California 
• Melissa Frank-Poole, The Wonderful Company 
• Richard Owen, American Peanut Council 
• Alicia Rockwell, Blue Diamond Growers
• Julia Sabin, The J.M. Smucker Company 
• James Zion, Meridian Growers, LLC
  

READ THE USDA PRESS RELEASE

READ THE COMPLETE FDA PRESS RELEASE

Continuing to advocate on behalf of the nut industry, PTNPA, along with a select group of food industry leaders, recently participated in a meeting with leadership within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding upcoming, and ongoing, agency actions.

Officials from the FDA included Dr. Donald Prater, Acting Director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; Doug Stearn, Deputy Director for Regulatory Affairs; Christopher Waldrop, Senior Public Health Educator, Office of Analytics and Outreach; Claudine Kavanaugh, Director, Office of Nutrition and Food Labeling; and Dan Solis, Assistant Commissioner for Import Operations.

The meeting covered a variety of topics impacting our industry including Front-of-Package labeling; the administration’s sodium and sugar reduction targets; implementation of the traceability rule; persistent import complications; and the creation and structure of the Human Foods Program.

This new section for importers and brokers will be chaired by Suzanne Chamberland of Totally Nuts & More, Inc., and authored by PTNPA members with expertise in the field(s). It will be separated into six sections each lead by a PTNPA volunteer expert and is scheduled for publication early in 2024. PTNPA is seeking more volunteers for each section, to meet online with other members of the section to draft their section of the handbook. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Ryan@ptnpa.org. Below are the sections available and the Section Lead assigned:

1. Senior Management Commitment and Continual Improvement section lead: Stephen O’Mara, J.F. Braun & Sons, Inc.
   
   
2. Organizational Structure, Responsibilities and Management Authority section lead: Andressa Ely, ECOM Group
   
   
3.  Hazard and Risk Assessment section lead:  Sabariya Ponnudurai, J.F. Braun & Sons, Inc.
   
   
4.  Product Safety and Quality Management System section lead: Bridget Dykes, Red River Foods
   
   
5.  Supplier and Subcontracted Service Management section lead: Bridget Dykes, Red River Foods
   
   
6.  Personnel Training and Competency: Anthony DiGiovanni, The Richard Franco Agency
   
   
7.  Meeting FSMA Requirements

              a.           Preventive Controls for Human Food

              b.           Food Defense

              c.           Supplier Verification Program

              d.           Sanitary Transportation

VIEW THE CURRENT HANDBOOK

This year PTNPA will hold a special event on Capitol Hill ahead of the recognized day. Save the date now for the evening of Thursday, October 19th, 2023. 

Help support this special event...Send us your product samples! PTNPA is looking for members to send us samples that can be shared at this event with legislative staff. Samples should be shipped to PTNPA Meetings & Events Specialist Trish Schectman. Contact Trish at trish@ptnpa.org for shipping instructions.

Many more details will be shared about the planning for National Nut Day in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more ways members can help amplify the effort. 

LINK TO OUR EVENT CALENDAR

Mark your calendars and plan to join us at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. Hotel reservations are available now! Book your rooms early to guarantee availability in our room block at the PTNPA special rate.

CONVENTION HOTEL RESERVATIONS

CONVENTION EVENT DETAILS

LEARN MORE ABOUT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (July 25, 2023) — On June 27 and 28 in Chicago, Ill., national and international nut industry leaders convened for the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association’s (PTNPA) annual Operations and Technical Food Safety Summit. 

Now in its eighth year, the summit brings together business owners and operators and food safety, quality assurance and regulatory experts in the nut industry from across the globe to hold critical discussions that drive food safety advancement in businesses of all sizes. Facilitated, interactive sessions focused on current regulations and practices for compliance, company success stories and challenges, food safety investment impacts, and more.  As the nut industry’s only food safety educational forum, this event is a unique and valuable opportunity to tackle ongoing challenges to directly contribute to safe and stable food systems. 

“The landscape for food safety is ever-growing and expanding—it’s more valuable than ever for industry thought-leaders to ideate on the topics presented at the summit,” shares Dr. Darlene Cowart, vice president of food safety and quality for Birdsong Peanuts. “Hearing directly from experts on key food safety topics as well as business leaders in every aspect of the organization is so important in the current food safety environment. What a great opportunity to learn and network with some of the world’s most talented food safety professionals.”

PTNPA conducted anonymous, real-time polling during the summit and attendee participation identified important themes: 

• An Integrated Business Unit Approach: A majority of organizations proactively educate financial, maintenance and inventory teams on what it means to operate in a culture of food safety. 
• Training Is a Priority: Nearly 89% of companies conduct food safety trainings at least once a year across departments.
• Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Stand Out: Strong communication and collaboration skills were rated the most critical leadership factors needed when working to prevent food safety risks or deficiencies in the market.
• The Bottom Line — Value of Food Safety Cultures Reigns: Creating a culture of food safety emerged as a key topic of importance, with 94% of attendees indicating it as a priority for operations now and in the future.

Presentations were led, moderated and hosted by industry experts from PTNPA member companies: Michael Campagna (vice president of quality, food safety and regulatory), Dr. Yvonne Masters (director of food safety and quality policy), and Jasper Sanfilippo, Jr. (COO) from John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.; Dulce Guzman (director of food safety and QA) and Craig Leva (CEO and Owner) of Arway Confections; Suzanne Chamberland (food safety manager), Totally Nuts & More Inc.; Gaby Chavarria (quality and food safety manager), Harris Woolf Almonds; Erin Clem (director of food safety and quality), Diamond Foods, LLC; Dr. Darlene Cowart (vice president of food safety and quality), Birdsong Peanuts; Martin Hahn (general counsel), Hogan Lovells; John Larsen (president), Marathon Ventures, Inc.; Angelo Losurdo (vice president of quality and quality systems), Golden Peanut; Dr. Wendy Maduff (vice president of corporate food safety and quality), The Wonderful Company; Stephen O'Mara (president), J.F. Braun & Sons, Inc.; Eric Paskerian (principle and owner), WEP Engineering and Consulting Co.; Joel Perkins (CEO), Horizon Nut Co.; and Randy Porter (vice president of technical services), IEH Laboratories & Consulting Group. View speaker biographies and session topics to learn more.

“We’re so proud of our industry and its commitment to innovation in a very rugged regulatory environment,” shares Jeannie Shaughnessy, executive director and CEO of PTNPA. “Our members are experts who are eager to collaborate for the advancement of the industry with a focus on measurable food safety investments in their businesses.” 

During the summit, PTNPA continued to expand the forward-thinking Industry Handbook for Safe Processing of Nuts with the launch of a new section focused on food safety best practices for importers and brokers. The handbook provides companies with guidance on day-to-day safety operations, company training protocols, employee onboarding, and regulatory guidance.

About the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association

The Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association, established in 1939, is composed of leading nut industry companies, representatives and solution providers, ranging from international household brands to fourth-generation family-owned businesses. The organization exists to advance the nut industry through professional networks, advocacy and education for and on behalf of its members. For more information about PTNPA, the nut industry or to become a member, visit www.ptnpa.org. 

###

[CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF]

ALEXANDRIA, Va.(May 18, 2023) — Board members, nut industry leaders, and professionals from the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA) met in Washington, DC to actively serve as The Voice of America’s Nut Industry. The event included a customized briefing at USDA headquarters and private meetings between PNTPA members and key Members of Congress from the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, and those who represent the jurisdictions of PTNPA member companies.

The USDA meeting included Deputy Administrator Chris Purdy; Michelle Sharrow, Director of the Market Development Division; Don Hinman, Senior Economist in the Market Development Division; and Heather Pichelman, Associate Deputy Administrator for the Specialty Crops Program. This productive meeting immediately bolstered the working relationship between PTNPA members and leadership at the USDA with a commitment to maintaining productive communication and collaboration.

PTNPA met with Congressional leaders in positions of influence for the nut industry including the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, Glenn GT Thompson (PA), Congressman John Duarte (CA), and the offices of Senator Cory Booker (NJ), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) and Senator Tom Tillis (NC).

“I had the privilege of meeting with the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association, and it was truly eye-opening. Their commitment to excellence in the food and agricultural industry is remarkable. As an almond and pistachio farmer myself, I believe in the power of family farms and the vital role they play in our economy,” said Rep. Duarte, following his meeting with PTNPA.

As PTNPA works to fulfill its mission to proactively advance the nut industry, this event brought owners and leaders from PTNPA member companies, large and small, representing all segments of the nut industry, all nut commodities, and all regions of the United States to Washington, DC. PTNPA members were equipped with key industry economic information and shared real-life business challenges along with stories of effort and commitment to a safe and stable food supply.

“Government officials and politicians on both sides of the aisle reach out to PTNPA for perspective, information, and fact-based data on a wide range of current and emerging issues directly impacting America’s nut industry. This fly-in event was about reminding those officials and our elected leaders who we are, what we do, and where we do it. It is an investment in expanding the awareness of PTNPA among key decision makers. The combined advocacy efforts of PTNPA members and the team have positioned our association as a respected and knowledgeable source with administration and congressional leaders,” said Steve Zaffarano, PTNPA Board Member and President of Diamond Foods, Inc.

Additionally, PTNPA members engaged in briefings on regulatory updates with Martin Hahn, General Counsel, Hogan Lovells; strategies in trade, taxes and tariffs with Michael Anderson, Vice President of Trade and Industry Affairs, Corn Refiners Association; and transportation and supply chain challenges with Peter Friedmann, Executive Director, Agriculture Transportation Coalition. 

In the spirit of exploring the nation’s capital, PTNPA hosted members for a private tour of the National Archives and a networking reception at Union Market.

“Something I appreciate most about the PTNPA is the convivial relationships our members have with each other. It is part of our mission to network, enjoy and inform each other, while advancing our advocacy and outreach mission in a powerful and meaningful way,” said Jeannie Shaughnessy, CEO/Executive Director of PTNPA.

About the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association

The Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association, established in 1939, is composed of leading nut industry companies, representatives, and solution providers, ranging from international household brands to fourth-generation family-owned businesses. The organization exists to advance the nut industry through professional networks, advocacy, and education for and on behalf of its members.

###

[CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF]

County-Level Update of 2023 Feeding The Economy Report Provides Insight Into Local Influence of Food & Ag Sector in U.S. Economy
Feeding The Economy, an economic impact study commissioned by 25 food and agriculture groups, publishes new county-level data on jobs, wages, and output

Washington, D.C. – Today, in response to requests from stakeholders, 25 food and agriculture groups re-released the seventh annual Feeding the Economy report with new county-level data on the food and agriculture industries’ $8.6 trillion contribution to the U.S. economy. Providing data on jobs, wages, and economic output, this increased granularity offers more specific insights into the food and agriculture sector’s impact on local economic activity and output.

This year’s report shows the U.S. food and agriculture sector directly supports nearly 23 million jobs, provides $927 billion in wages, and is particularly vital to rural communities across America. Notably, the 2023 report reveals that the manufacturing of agricultural products accounts for nearly one-fifth of total manufacturing jobs in the U.S. Overall, more than 46 million jobs are supported across the food and agriculture supply chain, increasing nearly 2% since the 2019 report despite the economic challenges and disruptions associated with the global pandemic.

At county levels of total food output, counties with more urban populations strongly outperformed other areas due to food sales in these areas of higher population density. According to the data, the top five counties for total output in the food industry include Los Angeles County, California ($266.33 billion); Cook County, Illinois ($167.55 billion); Harris County, Texas ($144.57 billion); New York County, New York ($114.19 billion); and Maricopa County, Arizona ($94.18 billion).

When analyzing the top counties for agriculture economic metrics, rural areas thrived. The data shows that the top counties for total direct agriculture output were Lawrence County, Illinois ($4.41 billion); Kern County, California ($4.12 billion); Merced County, California ($3.34 billion); Bertie County, North Carolina ($3.32 billion); and Monterey County, California ($3.09 billion).

All 50 states displayed increased economic output in the 2023 report compared to the 2022 report, largely reflecting a rebound in national economic activity. The largest gains in total output were from Hawaii (31%), North Dakota (26%), New York (23%), Nevada (22%), and Florida (21%). Measured by total food and agriculture output, the top performing counties in each of the highest-growing states included:

• Hawaii: Honolulu County ($22.61 billion)
• North Dakota: Cass County ($10.06 billion)
• New York: New York County ($114.19 billion)
• Nevada: Clark County ($44.57 billion)
• Florida: Miami-Dade County ($64.56 billion)

To see all county-level data, in addition to the previously announced national and state-level metrics, please visit FeedingTheEconomy.com.

Sponsoring Organizations include American Bakers Association, American Beverage Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Frozen Food Institute, American Soybean Association, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Corn Refiners Association, CropLife America, The Fertilizer Institute, FMI – The Food Industry Association, Global Cold Chain Alliance, Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils, International Dairy Foods Association, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National Grain and Feed Association, National Grocers Association, National Milk Producers Federation, National Oilseed Processors Association, National Pork Producers Council, North American Meat Institute, Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association, SNAC International, The Sugar Association, U.S. Dairy Export Council, and U.S. Grains Council.

###

[PDF Version for Download]

New Report Reveals Growing Footprint, Influence of Food & Ag Sector in  U.S. Economy,
Beating Pre-Pandemic Levels
Feeding The Economy, an economic impact study commissioned by 25 food and agriculture groups, reveals new data on jobs, wages, and economic output at district, state, and nationwide levels

Washington, D.C. – Today 25 food and agriculture groups released the seventh annual Feeding the Economy report, revealing food and agriculture industries and their suppliers contribute over $8.6 trillion to the U.S. economy, nearly one-fifth of total national output and a 22% increase since the 2019 report. Providing data on jobs, wages, and economic output, this farm-to-fork analysis illustrates the food and agriculture sector’s impact on local and nationwide economic activity. The data also underscores this sector’s resilience and reliability amid unprecedented global and domestic crises, including the commodity shock following the war in Ukraine and continued supply chain disruptions. 

This year’s report shows the U.S. food and agriculture sector directly supports nearly 23 million jobs, provides $927 billion in wages, and is particularly vital to rural communities across America. Notably, the 2023 report reveals that the manufacturing of agricultural products accounts for nearly one-fifth of total manufacturing jobs in the U.S. Overall, more than 46 million jobs are supported across the food and agriculture supply chain, increasing nearly 2% since the 2019 report despite the economic challenges and disruptions associated with the global pandemic.

All 50 states displayed increased economic output in the 2023 report compared to the 2022 report, largely reflecting a rebound in national economic activity. The largest gains in total output were from Hawaii (31%), North Dakota (26%), New York (23%), Nevada (22%), and Florida (21%). Key findings from national data include:

Total Jobs: 46,283,917 (up 1.5% since the 2019 report)
Total Wages: $2.61 trillion (up 26.2% since the 2019 report)
Total Taxes: $947.93 billion (up 3.8% since the 2019 report)
Exports: $202.2 billion (up 24.4% since the 2019 report)
Total Food and Ag Industry Economic Impact: $8.6 trillion (up 21.8% since the 2019 report)

The strength and growth highlighted in this year’s report reinforce that agriculture is evolving and innovating to meet the demands of the 21st century. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, between 1948 and 2019, land use for agriculture decreased by 28% while land productivity grew nearly four times and labor productivity grew more than 10 times. In fact, agriculture’s total factor productivity growth rate is among the highest of U.S. sectors.

“Agriculture is foundational to the U.S. economy, reaching far beyond the farm gate, supporting over 46 million jobs. In manufacturing, more than twice as many Americans are manufacturing agricultural products as cars and trucks,” said Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode. “The resilience of the food and agriculture sector is clear – all 50 states increased economic output in the 2023 report.”

“This study highlights the impact the greater food and ag sector industries have on the American economy and the sector’s critical role in providing economic opportunity, nutritional value, and safe food for all Americans,” said American Bakers Association President and CEO Eric Dell.  

“The Feeding the Economy report has focused on the jobs and economic activity created across the food value chain – from crop inputs to the services that it takes to put food on the table. Today, in the face of supply chain disruptions and the Ukraine Conflict, we truly need to think about the urgent need to feed people in addition to the important role that agriculture plays in our economy,” added CropLife America President and CEO Chris Novak.

This latest report, along with additional quotes from sponsoring organizations, can be found at www.FeedingTheEconomy.com.

Sponsoring organizations include American Bakers Association, American Beverage Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Frozen Food Institute, American Soybean Association, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Corn Refiners Association, CropLife America, The Fertilizer Institute, FMI – The Food Industry Association, Global Cold Chain Alliance, Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils, International Dairy Foods Association, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National Grain and Feed Association, National Grocers Association, National Milk Producers Federation, National Oilseed Processors Association, National Pork Producers Council, North American Meat Institute, Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association, SNAC International, The Sugar Association, U.S. Dairy Export Council, and U.S. Grains Council.

###

[PDF Version for Download]

The severe ramifications of a potential national rail shutdown were met with quick action from Congress and the Biden Administration yesterday (December 1, 2022) to ensure that the catastrophic possibilities did not become a reality. While signing the measure into law, President Biden declared the nation’s railway as the backbone of our supply chain. This could not be more accurate - a reliable and efficient rail network is essential to our industry and economy. The legislation signed into law today will keep businesses operating and supply chain moving. While compromises were needed in order to avoid a rail shutdown, we are thankful for the action of Congress and the Administration. 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE LETTER SENT TO OUR MEMBERSHIP

Ongoing Questions for Members:

Please share responses by way of email to Ryan@ptnpa.org. 

1. An example from your industry to demonstrate any harms that have occurred due to ongoing supply chain difficulties.

2. Insight into your inventory situation and how it may have been impacted since the Covid-19 Pandemic.  Please include any information which can be shared on company abilities to stockpile and continue operations.

3. How your company has had to make adjustments in operating due to inflation or ongoing supply chain difficulties. 

Please note that the intent of collecting industry examples is to have a catalog of the most persistent and pressing issues impacting your business. This information helps us best serve as the voice of our industry among congressional and administration officials. PTNPA will compile your responses, redact company and personal names for privacy and security, and submit a list of concerns on behalf of the nut industry.