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
Source: ESMI
Rationale:
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2007
Industries Related to Agriculture & Food Processing
| Description | Jobs | Degree of Specialization | Average Earnings Per Worker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture and forestry support activities | 238 | 21.63 | $34,170 |
| Crop and animal production | 213 | 8.59 | $14,211 |
| Merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods | 314 | 4.59 | $32,427 |
| Food manufacturing | 119 | 2.46 | $59,911 |
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.
| Description | Employment | Establishments | Average Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Food Manufacturing | 50,175 | 1,986 | $47,189 |
| Grain and Oilseed Milling | 61,189 | 925 | $58,228 |
| Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Mfg | 176,203 | 1,915 | $39,032 |
| Animal Slaughtering and Processing | 503,594 | 4,123 | $30,707 |
| Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing | 279,029 | 11,300 | $32,710 |
| Other Food Manufacturing | 162,095 | 3,444 | $48,771 |