Manya Rathore
Research expert covering India
Agriculture in the U.S. - statistics & facts
Abundant arable land, favorable climatic conditions, and human capital combined with advanced technology make U.S. one of the frontrunners in agricultural production worldwide. The sector forms the cornerstone of U.S. exports, with production heavily concentrated in the Midwest or the corn belt, the powerhouse of corn, soybeans, and livestock. While California leads in high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, Texas is a major producer of cattle, poultry, and cotton. The agriculture sector contributed over 200 billion U.S. dollars in net added value to the country’s GDP.
U.S. farmland area is shrinking
From 2000 onward, the total farmland area decreased from 945 million acres to 876 million acres in 2024. While farmland area decreased, so did the total number of farms. Although small farms form the largest share of U.S. farms, their share has reduced in the last years since they operate on a tighter profit margin than large farms, leaving them financially vulnerable. Large farms operated by corporations or partnerships, on the other hand, expanded their market share. The real estate value of farmable land and buildings has increased significantly over the last nine years. Declines in farmed land can significantly impact the rural identity of states with a shift towards residential development, industrial sites, and warehousing. Despite the loss of farmland, the value of agricultural production has increased owing to technological advancements such as precision agriculture, genetic engineering, and automation.
The debate around genetically modified crops
The United States has by far the highest acreage of genetically modified crops worldwide. Major crops, such as corn, upland cotton, and soybeans, have a remarkably high share of genetically modified production. For example, the area of non-biotech corn in the U.S. held a minimal share in total corn area production. Genetically engineered crops are broadly classified as herbicide-tolerant (HT), insect-resistant (Bt) or stacked varieties (which are combinations of both HT and Bt traits). Despite the high share of GE crops available in the U.S. markets, there is skepticism among consumers about the crops. Supporters of GE crops state food security, sustainability, pest resistance, improved shelf life, and reduced farming costs as leading pros of the crops. The critics, however, point towards chemical-dependent monocultures, environmental damage, and tighter corporate control over seeds.
