Agriculture’s Economic Impact In Del. Highlighted On National Agriculture Day
In Delaware, agriculture remains the state’s number one industry, according to Governor John Carney.
The Governor and Agriculture Secretary Michael Scuse cited a report Tuesday, Feeding the Economy, which shows that food and agriculture have a $21.7-billion economic impact and keep more than 122,000 people in Delaware employed.
“Delaware has a rich farming history and this data released today shows that agriculture remains our number one industry,” Carney said. “The COVID-19 pandemic showed us just how critical the food and agriculture industries are in our state. That’s why we’re making investments in our technology infrastructure that will bring high-speed internet to drive farming operations and we will continue to prioritize farmland preservation. Twenty-five percent of Delaware’s family farms are now preserved forever. What a great thing to celebrate on National Agriculture Day.”
According to the sixth annual  Feeding the Economy report, industries such as agriculture and states including Delaware have demonstrated resiliency during the COVID-19 pandemic by creating jobs and economic opportunity while providing citizens with safe food.
Delaware findings:
- Total Jobs: 122,609
- Direct Jobs: 66,371
- Total Wages:​ $7.1 Billion
- Total Taxes:​ $1.6 Billion
- Exports:​ $331.0 Million
- Total Food and Industry Economic Impact: $21.7 Billion
“Delaware agricultural producers are some of the best in the country. This study shows the true economic impact they have on our state,” Scuse said. “The latest numbers for our food exports continue to grow, and with the ongoing improvements at the Port of Wilmington, we expect our exports of agricultural products to increase in the coming years.”
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