• Advanced Energy & Environmental Technologies
• Aerospace and Aviation
  • Academic, Research and Industry Expertise
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Aviation
  • Education, Research and Technology Development
  • Federal Research Centers in Ohio
  • Supply Chain and World-Class Companies
  • Workforce
• Agriculture and Food Processing
• Bioscience and Bioproducts
• Corporate and Professional Services
• Distribution and Logistics
• Instruments, Controls and Electronics
• Manufacturing
• Motor Vehicle and Parts Manufacturing
• Polymers and Advanced Materials

Agriculture and Food Processing

Ohio's agriculture and food processing industry represents all elements of food processing and production.

The Agriculture and Food Processing Industry in Ohio is a diverse sector that includes farming, seed supply, agrichemicals, farm machinery, wholesale and distribution, processing, marketing and retail sales. Ohio's strategic location between the grain belt and Eastern markets brings together all of the elements that comprise food production and underlies Ohio's strength in food processing. The state’s 76,500 farms cover more than 14 million acres - nearly 55 percent of the total land area. Although responsible for only 2 percent of the nation's crop and livestock production, the state ranks 18th in value of total agricultural products sold. The state is also a leader in the specialized nutraceutical food production industry.

Ohio is also a leading manufacturer of key food and agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, specialty foods, Swiss cheese and eggs. Ohio is home to food industry leaders such as Kroger, J.M. Smucker, Honeybaked Foods Inc., Chiquita Brands International and Bob Evans Farms. Other key Ohio food processing firms include Worthington Foods/Kellogg's in Greater Columbus, General Mills, with the world's largest pizza plant in Wellston, and Nestle, which produces Stouffer products near Cleveland. Ohio's food and beverage manufacturing industry exports equal $25 billion annually.

Ohio currently ranks in the top five states in one-half of the food processing groups, first in the production of Swiss cheese and second in the production of tomatoes. The industry employs more than 60,000 workers at 1,106 plants. Ohio is also home to companies that manufacture food processing machinery, such as Hobart Corp., building synergy in this important industry.

Ohio's commercial and public food research institutions include commercial nutraceutical industry leaders such as Abbott Nutrition and institutions such as The Ohio State University's Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center and Toledo's Center for Innovative Food Technology.

To learn more about Ohio's agribusiness sector, contact the Office of the Director at the Ohio Department of Agriculture, 1-800-282-1955.