Measuring Backward and Forward Linkages in the U.S. Food and Fiber System

The Interindustry flows required to support the output of the U S food and fiber system are decomposed Into backward and forward linkages Our purpose is to evaluate the relative Importance of farm versus food-and fiber-processing activities For the United States In 1977, backward linkages accounted for 11 percent ($80 billion) of nonfarm business activity of the food and fiber system Forward linkages dominated, accounting for 89 percent ($626 billion)