GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Agriculture Industry Statistics

Agriculture Industry Statistics provide insights into production levels, land usage, employment numbers, and other key data points relevant to the agricultural sector.

Highlights: Agriculture Industry Statistics

  • About 40% of global lands are used for agriculture purposes.
  • In 2019, the total U.S. farm income was $104.4 billion.
  • Agriculture makes up 3.8% of the global economy.
  • Over 570 million farms are located in the world.
  • Almost 70% of the world's fresh water goes to agriculture.
  • The number of tractors used in agriculture worldwide is approximately 26.7 million.
  • Approximately 11% of the world’s land surface is used for crop production.
  • Of the 140 million square kilometers of ice-free land, around 50 million square kilometers are used for agriculture.
  • In 2019, the agriculture sector in India contributed around 16.5% to the country’s GDP.
  • In developed countries, agriculture employs less than 5% of the population.
  • Approximately 80% of deforestation worldwide is caused by agriculture.
  • Agricultural workers make up over 20% of global employment.
  • Organic farming is practiced in 181 countries, and 69.8 million hectares of agricultural land is managed organically by approximately 2.3 million farmers.
  • Agriculture contributes to nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
  • In 2020, China was the largest food producer, accounting for 23% of global agricultural output.
  • Over 50% of worldwide land suitable for food production is already used for farming.
  • Over 33% of all farmers worldwide are women.
  • The food and agriculture sector in the USA generates over $1.1 trillion in economic output, representing approximately 5.5% of U.S GDP.
  • As of 2018, Asia was home to more than 87% of the world's small farms.

AI Transparency Disclaimer 🔴🔵

Find all AI Apps we have used to create this article.

Hint: If you are a student, academic or journalist we can wholeheartedly recommend them :)

✍ We save hours writing with Jenni’s AI-powered text editor* and also use Rytr* for creating articles.

📄 We find information more quickly in our research process by chatting with PDFs, Reports & Books with the help of ChatPDF*, PDF.ai* & Askyourpdf*.

🔎 We search for citations and check if a publication has been cited by others with Scite.ai*.

🤖 We use QuillBot to paraphrase or summarize our research.

✅ We check and edit our research with ProWritingAid and Trinka.

🎉 We use Originality’s AI detector & plagiarism checker* to verify our research.

Table of Contents

The Latest Agriculture Industry Statistics Explained

About 40% of global lands are used for agriculture purposes.

The statistic that about 40% of global lands are used for agriculture purposes indicates that a significant portion of the Earth’s land surface is dedicated to food production. This suggests that agriculture is a crucial component of human civilization, providing sustenance and resources for a large proportion of the world’s population. The high percentage of land utilized for agriculture highlights the intensive nature of food production practices and the importance of efficient land management to meet the growing demands of a growing population. It also emphasizes the interconnectedness of agriculture with environmental sustainability, as land use practices have significant implications for biodiversity, water resources, and climate change.

In 2019, the total U.S. farm income was $104.4 billion.

The statistic stating that the total U.S. farm income was $104.4 billion in 2019 represents the combined revenue generated by all farms in the United States during that year. This figure encompasses the earnings from various agricultural activities such as crop production, livestock farming, and other related operations. Farm income is a crucial indicator of the overall financial health of the agricultural sector, reflecting the profitability and productivity of farms across the country. It serves as a key metric for assessing the economic performance of the agricultural industry and can impact government policies, financial investments, and market trends within the farming community.

Agriculture makes up 3.8% of the global economy.

The statistic that agriculture makes up 3.8% of the global economy represents the proportion of total economic output or gross domestic product (GDP) that is attributed to the agricultural sector on a global scale. This percentage indicates the relative contribution of agriculture to the overall economic activities taking place around the world. A low percentage like 3.8% suggests that while agriculture plays a significant role in global food production and employment, other sectors such as manufacturing, services, and technology likely have a larger economic impact. Understanding this statistic can help policymakers, economists, and stakeholders prioritize investments and policies to support a diverse and sustainable global economy.

Over 570 million farms are located in the world.

The statistic that over 570 million farms are located in the world represents the widespread and crucial role of agriculture globally. Farms play a significant role in producing food, generating income, and supporting rural economies across various countries. The large number of farms highlights the diversity in agricultural practices and the varying scales of production, from small family-owned farms to large commercial operations. Understanding the distribution and characteristics of these farms is essential for policymakers, organizations, and individuals involved in agricultural development, food security, and sustainability efforts on a global scale.

Almost 70% of the world’s fresh water goes to agriculture.

This statistic highlights the significant allocation of a vast amount of the world’s limited fresh water resources towards agricultural activities. With almost 70% of fresh water being utilized for agriculture, it underscores the crucial role that water plays in food production on a global scale. The statistic emphasizes the heavy reliance of the agriculture sector on fresh water for irrigation, livestock, and crop cultivation, underscoring the immense pressure that agricultural practices place on water resources. As the global population continues to grow and demand for food rises, the sustainable management and efficient utilization of water resources for agriculture become increasingly critical to ensure food security and environmental sustainability.

The number of tractors used in agriculture worldwide is approximately 26.7 million.

The statistic that the number of tractors used in agriculture worldwide is approximately 26.7 million represents a key indicator of mechanization in the agricultural sector. Tractors play a crucial role in modern farming practices by enhancing efficiency, productivity, and crop yields. This figure reflects the widespread adoption of mechanized equipment across various regions and signifies the scale of agricultural operations globally. The high number of tractors also highlights the importance of technology and machinery in meeting the increasing demand for food production to support the growing global population. Additionally, it serves as a valuable metric for assessing the level of agricultural development and investment in farming infrastructure worldwide.

Approximately 11% of the world’s land surface is used for crop production.

This statistic indicates that roughly 11% of the total land area on Earth is dedicated to crop production, highlighting the significant impact of agriculture on global land use. This allocation of land for crop cultivation underscores the extensive reliance of human societies on farming practices to meet food demands and sustain populations worldwide. The statistic also underscores the importance of balancing agricultural development with environmental conservation efforts to ensure sustainable food production for current and future generations, particularly in the face of challenges such as population growth, climate change, and land degradation. The widespread use of land for crop production also underscores the need for effective land management strategies to optimize agricultural productivity while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

Of the 140 million square kilometers of ice-free land, around 50 million square kilometers are used for agriculture.

The statistic states that out of the total 140 million square kilometers of ice-free land on Earth, approximately 50 million square kilometers are designated for agricultural purposes. This suggests that roughly 36% of the available land area is utilized for farming activities such as crop cultivation, livestock rearing, and other agricultural practices. This statistic underscores the significant impact of agriculture on land use, highlighting the substantial area of the Earth’s surface that is dedicated to sustaining food production and meeting the needs of a growing global population. It also reflects the importance of efficient and sustainable agricultural practices to maximize productivity while minimizing environmental impacts on the limited land available for food production.

In 2019, the agriculture sector in India contributed around 16.5% to the country’s GDP.

The statistic that the agriculture sector in India contributed around 16.5% to the country’s GDP in 2019 represents the significant economic importance of agriculture in India. This percentage indicates the share of agricultural activities, including farming, forestry, fishing, and livestock, in the total value of goods and services produced in the country during that year. The high contribution of the agriculture sector to India’s GDP highlights its crucial role in the overall economy, employment generation, and food security. Changes in this percentage over time can reflect shifts in agricultural productivity, government policies, and external factors such as climate and global market conditions. Policymakers and stakeholders often closely monitor this statistic to understand the performance and challenges of the agriculture sector and its impact on the broader national economy.

In developed countries, agriculture employs less than 5% of the population.

The statistic stating that in developed countries, agriculture employs less than 5% of the population signifies a significant shift in the labor force composition towards non-agricultural sectors in these nations. This trend reflects the modernization and industrialization of developed economies, where technological advancements and efficiency improvements in agriculture have reduced the need for manual labor in this sector. The declining agricultural workforce has been accompanied by the growth of service and knowledge-based industries, highlighting the transition towards a more diverse and specialized economy in developed countries. Additionally, policies promoting education and skills development outside of agriculture have further contributed to the decreasing proportion of the population engaged in agricultural work.

Approximately 80% of deforestation worldwide is caused by agriculture.

The statistic that approximately 80% of deforestation worldwide is caused by agriculture highlights the significant impact of agricultural activities on global forest cover. This high percentage suggests that a large portion of forest clearance is driven by the need for land to cultivate crops or raise livestock. Agricultural expansion frequently involves clear-cutting forests to create space for cultivation, grazing, or infrastructure, leading to the loss of valuable forest ecosystems and biodiversity. This statistic underscores the urgent need for sustainable land use practices and conservation efforts to mitigate the negative effects of agriculture on deforestation and promote the preservation of vital forest resources for future generations.

Agricultural workers make up over 20% of global employment.

The statistic indicating that agricultural workers constitute over 20% of global employment highlights the significance of the agricultural sector in providing livelihoods for a substantial portion of the global workforce. This statistic underscores the crucial role that individuals engaged in agriculture play in societies worldwide, contributing to food security, economic development, and rural livelihoods. The sizable percentage of agricultural workers also reflects the sector’s widespread impact on various aspects of the economy, from local communities to international trade. As such, policies and investments in the agricultural sector are essential to not only support the livelihoods of these workers but also to ensure sustainable food production and economic development globally.

Organic farming is practiced in 181 countries, and 69.8 million hectares of agricultural land is managed organically by approximately 2.3 million farmers.

The statistic indicates that organic farming has a global presence as it is practiced in 181 countries, showcasing a widespread adoption of environmentally friendly agricultural practices. The significant land area of 69.8 million hectares being managed organically underlines the scale and impact of organic farming on a substantial portion of global agricultural land. The involvement of approximately 2.3 million farmers in organic farming signifies a growing community of individuals dedicated to sustainable farming practices and highlights the social and economic dimensions of the organic farming movement. Overall, these numbers suggest a growing awareness and commitment towards more sustainable and ecologically friendly farming methods worldwide.

Agriculture contributes to nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The statistic that agriculture contributes to nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions highlights the significant impact that practices within the agricultural sector have on the environment. Greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide are released through activities such as livestock production, rice farming, and the use of synthetic fertilizers, all of which contribute to global warming and climate change. By accounting for a substantial portion of overall emissions, addressing sustainable agricultural practices and improving efficiency in food production processes become crucial in mitigating the impacts of climate change and transitioning towards a more environmentally sustainable future.

In 2020, China was the largest food producer, accounting for 23% of global agricultural output.

The statistic reveals that in 2020, China held the position as the world’s largest food producer, contributing to 23% of global agricultural output. This indicates the significant role that China plays in the global food production industry, showcasing its substantial agricultural capabilities. By accounting for nearly a quarter of the world’s agricultural output, China’s productivity levels are essential for ensuring food security on a global scale. This statistic highlights China’s agricultural strength and influence in shaping the overall landscape of food production worldwide.

Over 50% of worldwide land suitable for food production is already used for farming.

The statistic “Over 50% of worldwide land suitable for food production is already used for farming” indicates that more than half of the land globally that is considered suitable for growing crops or raising livestock is already being utilized for agricultural purposes. This suggests that the majority of available arable land is currently being used to meet the demands for food production across the world. It highlights the widespread utilization of land resources for agricultural activities and underscores the importance of efficiency and sustainable practices in farming to ensure food security and environmental conservation as the global population continues to grow.

Over 33% of all farmers worldwide are women.

The statistic “Over 33% of all farmers worldwide are women” indicates that more than one-third of farmers globally are female. This statistic highlights the significant contribution of women to the agricultural sector, whether in managing farms, cultivating crops, or raising livestock. It also underscores the crucial role that women play in food production and security globally. However, it may also point to gender disparities in access to resources, land rights, and decision-making power within the agricultural industry, highlighting the need for gender equality and empowerment initiatives to ensure that women farmers have equal opportunities and support to thrive in their roles.

The food and agriculture sector in the USA generates over $1.1 trillion in economic output, representing approximately 5.5% of U.S GDP.

This statistic indicates the significant impact of the food and agriculture sector on the United States economy, with a total economic output of more than $1.1 trillion. This sector plays a crucial role in contributing to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accounting for approximately 5.5% of the total GDP. The statistic highlights the sector’s substantial financial contribution, as well as its importance in supporting employment, trade, and overall economic growth. The data underscores the sector’s influence on the national economy and emphasizes its role as a key driver of economic activity in the United States.

As of 2018, Asia was home to more than 87% of the world’s small farms.

The statistic that as of 2018, Asia was home to more than 87% of the world’s small farms highlights the significant concentration of small-scale agricultural production in the Asian region compared to the rest of the world. This statistic implies that the majority of small farms, defined as those with relatively limited land sizes and resources, are situated in Asia, demonstrating the region’s crucial role in global food production. The high prevalence of small farms in Asia suggests a strong reliance on small-scale agriculture for livelihoods, food security, and economic development in many Asian countries. Understanding this distribution can help policymakers and stakeholders implement targeted interventions to support small farmers and enhance agricultural sustainability and resilience in the region.

Conclusion

Through a careful analysis of agriculture industry statistics, it is clear that this sector plays a crucial role in the global economy, providing food security, employment opportunities, and contributing significantly to GDP. By understanding the trends and challenges within the agriculture industry, stakeholders can make informed decisions to ensure sustainable growth and development in the years to come.

References

0. – https://www.www.fibl.org

1. – https://www.www.epa.gov

2. – https://www.www.ilo.org

3. – https://www.www.statista.com

4. – https://www.www.fao.org

5. – https://www.www.un.org

6. – https://www.data.worldbank.org

7. – https://www.ec.europa.eu

8. – https://www.scied.ucar.edu

9. – https://www.www.fas.usda.gov

10. – https://www.www.worldbank.org

11. – https://www.www.ers.usda.gov

12. – https://www.ourworldindata.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!