2022 was a record-breaking year for the American agriculture industry. The agricultural sector sold $552.6 billion in commodities including animal products and crops.
The federal government employs various methods to gather essential information about agriculture, including crop types and locations, financial details of American farm enterprises, and the size of the agricultural workforce. This page offers a glimpse into these measurements, aiming to provide answers to fundamental food-related questions. By harnessing the power of data, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and influences impacting the way our country is nourished.
What is the role of the government in agriculture?
Government spending
In fiscal year 2020, the federal government spent $55.6 billion on agriculture.
That’s $168 per person in the US.
USAFacts categorizes government budget data to allocate spending appropriately, and to arrive at the estimate presented here. The federal government spends on supporting farms and agricultural businesses. The government also spends on agricultural research and services. Agriculture spending and policy are often associated with the farm bill, which is passed about every five years.
Government revenue and expenditures are based on data from the Office of Management and Budget, the Census Bureau, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Each is published annually, although due to collection times.
Agencies and elected officials
Focus | Level of government | Key actors | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
Agriculture industry oversight | Federal | Department of Agriculture | Provide subsidies and insurance to farmers |
Focus |
|---|
Agriculture industry oversight |
