Agriculture and forestry are vital components of Mississippi's economy, with a combined estimated industry value of $46.2 billion in 2022. These sectors accounted for 185,744 jobs, representing over 14% of the state's total economic activity. This analysis was conducted by agricultural economists at the Mississippi State University Extension Service, who examined the direct, indirect, and induced economic effects of these industries. The findings were published in a report titled 'Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Production and Processing in Mississippi: An Input-Output Analysis' on November 19, 2024 [e6337aa3].
The report highlights the significant role that agriculture and forestry play not only in job creation but also in the overall economic health of Mississippi. Contributors to the study included James Henderson, Ben Posadas, and other experts in the field, emphasizing the importance of these sectors in sustaining the state's economy [e6337aa3].
As Mississippi continues to navigate economic challenges, the insights from this analysis underscore the need for ongoing support and investment in agriculture and forestry to ensure their growth and sustainability in the future [e6337aa3].