Food Processing

Food Processing and Manufacturing

Early County currently has a very high degree of local specialization in industries related to agriculture and food processing. Although the specific type and method of food processing that would likely occur in the county is limited to the animals or crops grown in the area, there are varying levels of processing, from simple packaging to sophisticated snack and specialty food production. Generally the more advanced food processing activities fall within the Food Manufacturing industry classifications.

Industries Related to Agriculture & Food Processing

DescriptionJobsDegree of SpecializationAverage Earnings Per Worker
Agriculture and forestry support activities23821.63$34,170
Crop and animal production2138.59$14,211
Merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods3144.59$32,427
Food manufacturing1192.46$59,911
Source: ESMI

Rationale:

  • Existing industry and labor specialization (incumbent skills)
  • Labor availability
  • Access to raw agricultural in-puts
  • Low relative educational requirements for new hires
  • Low relative land costs
  • Existing wholesaler network
  • Rail access
  • Southeast market location


Industry Description: Industries in the Food Manufacturing subsector transform livestock and agricultural products into products for intermediate or final consumption. The industry groups are distinguished by the raw materials (generally of animal or vegetable origin) processed into food products. The food products manufactured in these establishments are typically sold to wholesalers or retailers for distribution to consumers, but establishments primarily engaged in retailing bakery and candy products made on the premises not for immediate consumption are included.

Food Manufacturing Sub-Sectors – Total U.S.

DescriptionEmploymentEstablishmentsAverage Annual Pay
Animal Food Manufacturing50,1751,986$47,189
Grain and Oilseed Milling61,189925$58,228
Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Mfg176,2031,915$39,032
Animal Slaughtering and Processing503,5944,123$30,707
Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing279,02911,300$32,710
Other Food Manufacturing162,0953,444$48,771
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2007