The Irrigation Association (IA) has released its irrigation economic impact study: Economic Impact of the Irrigation Equipment and Services Industry. This study was produced in partnership by the Irrigation Association and the Irrigation Innovation Consortium.
Released on Dec. 2, 2021, this study shows a vibrant and healthy industry estimated at an almost $9 billion direct economic impact and a $23.3 billion impact when including indirect induced impacts. This translates to over 70,000 industry-wide jobs, which is increased to over 167,000 jobs when secondary impacts are included. This study shows the sizable impact the irrigation industry has on the economy and, when compared to a similar 2010 study, demonstrates the industry’s ability to overcome challenges and innovate to continue growing.
The full study and the executive summary are available for review online at www.irrigation.org/economic-impact-study.
“This new study illustrates the large impact that the irrigation industry has on our economy and how it has grown over the last 10 years,” says Deborah Hamlin, IA CEO. “We invite those involved in both ag and landscape irrigation to join us on Dec. 9 during the Irrigation Show to learn more about the results of this study and how it affects their business and the industry.”
The 2020 economic impact study focused on determining the economic impact of irrigation manufacturing, distribution, consulting, design, installation and maintenance of irrigation technologies and products in the United States, for both agricultural and landscape. This follows up a similar study conducted in 2010 that confirmed the size and importance of the irrigation industry but contained little analysis about important economic drivers and other value-added aspects related to irrigation.
The Dec. 9 event will also include updates on other public-private collaborative projects supported by the IIC. For more information about the Dec. 9 event, the 2021 Irrigation Show and how to register, go to www.irrigationshow.org.