USDA has released its Reliable Waterway System Is Important to Agriculture report, which describes the importance of marine transportation to fiscal 2022 agricultural exports, forecast at $175.5 billion.
The latest report summarizes statistics on U.S. grain and agricultural products, including bulk and containerized cargos, transiting the U.S. waterway navigation system.
In 2019, agricultural exports were responsible for 25.5% of U.S. farm income — driving rural economic activity and supporting more than one million American jobs on and off the farm.
The report describes marine transportation’s projected contribution to agricultural exports and imports in fiscal year 2022. It also provides statistical data showing the key role of U.S. waterways in moving many commodities, including grain, forestry and fishery products, and critical farm inputs (such as fertilizer, feed and fuel).
The report includes information related to harbor channels, waterway drafts, closures, and federal budget issues, with a comprehensive bibliography on these subjects.
