Agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy. The region specializes in growing and processing potatoes. McCain Foods Limited in Saint-André constitutes one of the main processors.
The region is also known for the best forestry productivity in New Brunswick. The forestry industry with it's modern sawmills located in Saint-Léonard and Plaster Rock, comprises the backbone of many other regional industries and constitutes a major component of the regional economy.
Together, forestry and agriculture make up the foundation of the local economy and have given rise to a well-diversified service sector.
38.9% of the active population works in the primary sectors and the manufacturing and processing industry.
