Agricultural production, processing, and retail industries are major contributors to Arkansas' GDP. Agriculture contributes to the state economy through direct agricultural production, value-added processing, and agricultural retail activities. The Agriculture and Food Sector, which is comprised of agricultural production, processing, and retail industries, promotes economic strength through various interactions with other industries. The use of non-agricultural goods and services as inputs

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... the agricultural sector promotes diversified growth in Arkansas' economy and thus plays a vital role in maintaining economic stability throughout the state. This report 1) compares the relative size of the Agriculture and Food Sector in Arkansas with those of neighboring states; 2) provides an overview of Arkansas' economy and discusses Arkansas' agricultural sector in relation to the state economy; and 3) examines components of agricultural production and processing, including a review of historical sales trends for raw and processed agricultural output.