6-15 news: Meat, poultry companies contribute $832 billion to U.S. economy
"Companies and individuals in America that produce, process, distribute and sell meat and poultry products continue to be a vital part of the U.S. economy," said J. Patrick Boyle, president and CEO of AMI. "During this uncertain economic climate when we are experiencing the highest unemployment rate in 25 years, every job is important. Our industry can be proud that we provide millions of quality jobs in every state and every sector of the U.S. economy."
According to the study, the meat and poultry industry directly employs 1.8 million people, paying $45.5 billion in wages and benefits. An estimated 524,000 people have jobs in production and packing, importing operations, sales, packaging and direct distribution of meat and poultry products. Wholesaling directly employs an estimated 63,000 individuals in every state in the country, and 1,227,600 employees' retail jobs depend on the sale of meat and poultry products to the public.