IDFA continues to demonstrate that the dairy industry has a powerful economic impact – $628 billion in total – on the American economy. Did you know that dairy also indirectly supports unique industries across the nation, like fruit farming?

Dairy companies, distributors and retailers support American fruit farmers in a number of ways. More than 3,825 fruit farming jobs depend on the dairy industry or dairy industry employees.  This includes 2,355 farming jobs that are growing and harvesting the cherries, strawberries, apples and other fruits used in dairy products, like ice cream, yogurt and milk. These jobs are the result of purchases directly paid for by dairy companies.

About 1,470 additional fruit farming jobs result from dairy and supplier employees purchasing American-grown fruits at local stores, restaurants, farmers markets and food co-ops. 

All told, the dairy industry creates $162.4 million in wages and over $300.8 million in economic impact for American fruit farmers.

Dairy Delivers®
IDFA is sharing these deep dives into the data of Dairy Delivers®, its economic impact tool, to demonstrate dairy’s economic power and its ripple effect on other American industries.

Members with questions may contact Dave Carlin, IDFA senior vice president of legislative affairs and economic policy, at dcarlin@idfa.org.