GITNUXREPORT 2025

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Agriculture Industry Statistics

Global agriculture advances through increased diversity, inclusion benefits productivity and sustainability.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

In the United States, about 16% of farmers and ranchers identify as minority or underserved populations

Statistic 2

Indigenous peoples manage approximately 25% of the world's land surface, contributing significantly to agricultural biodiversity

Statistic 3

African American farmers constitute around 1.4% of total farmers in the U.S.

Statistic 4

Hispanic and Latino farmers account for about 6.7% of all U.S. farmers, which is a significant increase over the past decade

Statistic 5

The average age of farmers in the U.S. is 57.5 years, with minority farmers tending to be younger than their counterparts

Statistic 6

In Australia, Indigenous peoples manage around 40% of the country's agricultural land, emphasizing indigenous contribution to agriculture and biodiversity

Statistic 7

The number of minority-owned agribusinesses in the U.S. increased by 22% between 2012 and 2017, highlighting growth in diverse enterprise ownership

Statistic 8

Native American farmers comprise approximately 0.8% of all U.S. farmers, but face significant barriers in land access and funding

Statistic 9

LGBTQ+ individuals are estimated to comprise about 1-3% of the farming community worldwide, often facing social stigma and exclusion

Statistic 10

Indigenous agricultural practices contribute to the preservation of native crops and biodiversity, which is vital for climate resilience and sustainable farming

Statistic 11

In Canada, Indigenous farmers report satisfaction rates of only 40% regarding access to agricultural resources and training, compared to 70% for non-Indigenous farmers

Statistic 12

Only 4% of U.S. agricultural farm lenders are women, indicating a gender gap in access to credit

Statistic 13

Ethnic minority farmers are more likely to face barriers to land ownership; about 25% of Hispanic farmers and 15% of Black farmers lack land title

Statistic 14

The representation of women in agricultural research and development roles is approximately 27%, highlighting gender disparities in leadership positions

Statistic 15

There are over 2 million farms owned or operated by racial minorities in the U.S., representing around 9% of all farms

Statistic 16

Agricultural cooperatives are increasingly formed by diverse groups; approximately 30% of cooperatives in the U.S. now have women or minority leadership

Statistic 17

The percentage of Black farmers in the U.S. has declined from nearly 14% in the 1920s to approximately 1.4% today, reflecting historical barriers

Statistic 18

A survey found that 72% of women in agriculture report experiencing some form of gender bias or discrimination in their careers

Statistic 19

Workforce diversity in global agribusiness companies increased by 18% over the last five years, showing growing attention to inclusion policies

Statistic 20

Access to financial services remains less available to minority farmers; only 35% of minority farmers report having access to affordable credit compared to 60% of white farmers

Statistic 21

The representation of women on boards or executive positions in agricultural corporations is approximately 15%, indicating underrepresentation in leadership roles

Statistic 22

Approximately 70% of farmworkers in the U.S. are people of color, with many facing poor working conditions and limited rights

Statistic 23

Programs aimed at supporting minority and women farmers in the U.S. increased federal funding by over 40% between 2013 and 2020 to promote diversity

Statistic 24

Less than 20% of agricultural research funding is allocated specifically to issues faced by women and minorities, impacting the focus of innovation

Statistic 25

By 2022, 60% of agricultural extension services worldwide were reported to be tailored specifically for women, reflecting progress in gender-inclusive support

Statistic 26

In the U.S., Black farmers are more likely to participate in direct-to-consumer sales, such as farmer's markets, as a strategy to bypass traditional market barriers

Statistic 27

The number of women-led food cooperatives globally has increased by 30% over the past decade, supporting greater gender inclusion in rural economies

Statistic 28

65% of minority farmers in the U.S. report lacking adequate access to legal services for land disputes, underlining systemic challenges faced by marginalized groups

Statistic 29

Overall, diversity variables such as ethnicity, gender, and age are underrepresented in agricultural policymaking bodies, comprising less than 10% of decision-making roles in some regions

Statistic 30

Minority farmers tend to have smaller landholdings, with the average being 210 acres compared to 445 acres for white farmers, indicating disparities in scale

Statistic 31

Women farmers report higher levels of stress and burnout due to balancing farm management with household responsibilities, with 45% indicating mental health concerns

Statistic 32

The percentage of farm bills in multiple countries that include specific provisions for supporting women and minorities remains below 30%, showing progress is slow

Statistic 33

Discrimination in agricultural credit and land access results in a 15% lower likelihood of minority farmers being able to expand their operations compared to their white counterparts

Statistic 34

The Global Agriculture Diversity Index shows that regions with higher inclusion of marginalized groups tend to have greater agrobiodiversity, which benefits ecological stability

Statistic 35

Across the globe, less than 25% of agricultural extension agents are women, indicating gaps in gender representation among those providing agricultural support

Statistic 36

The proportion of minority students enrolled in agricultural higher education has increased by 10% over the past decade, reflecting efforts to diversify future agricultural leadership

Statistic 37

Farmers from minority backgrounds are more likely to participate in community-supported agriculture programs, which help diversify market access

Statistic 38

The number of research grants awarded explicitly to projects focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion in agriculture increased by 35% between 2018 and 2022, signifying growing institutional commitment

Statistic 39

Intersectionality factors like race, gender, and age significantly influence access to resources in agriculture, with marginalized groups experiencing compounded barriers

Statistic 40

The global percentage of farm management positions held by women is estimated at 15%, indicating underrepresentation in decision-making roles

Statistic 41

International surveys reveal that farmers who are part of inclusive cooperatives report a 20% increase in productivity compared to those who are not, emphasizing the importance of diversity

Statistic 42

In the U.S., farmers of color are significantly less likely to access advanced irrigation and technology due to systemic barriers, impacting efficiency and sustainability

Statistic 43

Studies indicate that increased diversity among agricultural leadership correlates with greater innovation adoption rates, leading to more resilient farming systems

Statistic 44

The gender pay gap in global agriculture is approximately 20%, with women earning less than men for comparable roles, underscoring ongoing equity challenges

Statistic 45

Less than 10% of venture capital invested in agritech startups is allocated to companies led by women or minorities, limiting innovation diversity

Statistic 46

Investment in women-led agritech startups has grown by 50% over the past three years, reflecting a shift toward supporting inclusive innovation

Statistic 47

Access to formal agricultural training for women is 25% lower than for men in many developing countries, affecting productivity and inclusion

Statistic 48

Training programs aimed at increasing the participation of minority and women farmers in sustainable agriculture have seen a 25% growth in enrollment in recent years, promoting inclusive practices

Statistic 49

The number of apprentice or mentorship programs specifically for women and minorities in agriculture has increased by 50% globally over the past five years, aiding inclusion efforts

Statistic 50

Female farmers are 60% more likely to adopt new sustainable practices if they receive targeted training and resources tailored for women, according to recent studies

Statistic 51

Access to agricultural education programs tailored for minority farmers has increased by 40% in the last five years, supporting capacity-building and inclusion

Statistic 52

40% of young women in rural areas express interest in pursuing careers in agriculture if provided with increased access to resources and mentorship, indicating potential for future inclusion

Statistic 53

Women make up approximately 33% of the global agriculture workforce

Statistic 54

Only 2% of the world's landholders are women, yet they produce 60-80% of food in developing countries

Statistic 55

Women-owned farms in the U.S. grew by 16% between 2012 and 2017, demonstrating increasing diversity in farm ownership

Statistic 56

In developing countries, women account for 45-60% of the agricultural labor force but often have less access to resources like land, credit, and training

Statistic 57

In India, women constitute nearly 30% of the total workforce in agriculture, yet they often have limited access to land rights and resources

Statistic 58

Women are projected to represent 50% of the global agricultural workforce by 2030 if current trends continue, but disparities in pay and access persist

Statistic 59

In the European Union, about 20% of farm managers are women, with higher rates in some countries like Sweden and Finland

Statistic 60

In sub-Saharan Africa, women farmers produce up to 80% of food for local consumption despite inheriting less land than men, highlighting gender inequities

Statistic 61

The share of women participating in agricultural cooperatives in Latin America is approximately 25%, with many organizations actively promoting gender inclusion initiatives

Statistic 62

The representation of women in sustainable and organic farming sectors is about 35%, with higher participation in some countries like Denmark and New Zealand

Statistic 63

In Southeast Asia, women directly involved in agriculture are less likely to own land but play a critical role in food security and household income, highlighting gender disparities

Statistic 64

The percentage of women in farm management roles in the EU is highest in Nordic countries, exceeding 20%, showing regional variation in gender inclusion

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Key Highlights

Women make up approximately 33% of the global agriculture workforce
In the United States, about 16% of farmers and ranchers identify as minority or underserved populations
Only 2% of the world's landholders are women, yet they produce 60-80% of food in developing countries
Indigenous peoples manage approximately 25% of the world's land surface, contributing significantly to agricultural biodiversity
African American farmers constitute around 1.4% of total farmers in the U.S.
Hispanic and Latino farmers account for about 6.7% of all U.S. farmers, which is a significant increase over the past decade
Women-owned farms in the U.S. grew by 16% between 2012 and 2017, demonstrating increasing diversity in farm ownership
Only 4% of U.S. agricultural farm lenders are women, indicating a gender gap in access to credit
The average age of farmers in the U.S. is 57.5 years, with minority farmers tending to be younger than their counterparts
Ethnic minority farmers are more likely to face barriers to land ownership; about 25% of Hispanic farmers and 15% of Black farmers lack land title
The representation of women in agricultural research and development roles is approximately 27%, highlighting gender disparities in leadership positions
In developing countries, women account for 45-60% of the agricultural labor force but often have less access to resources like land, credit, and training
There are over 2 million farms owned or operated by racial minorities in the U.S., representing around 9% of all farms

As agriculture faces a crucial crossroads, the industry is seeing a promising surge in diversity, equity, and inclusion—with women now comprising approximately 33% of the global workforce and minority farmers making significant gains—yet systemic barriers and disparities continue to challenge the path toward truly inclusive and sustainable farming for all.

Demographics and Cultural Aspects in Rural and Indigenous Communities

In the United States, about 16% of farmers and ranchers identify as minority or underserved populations
Indigenous peoples manage approximately 25% of the world's land surface, contributing significantly to agricultural biodiversity
African American farmers constitute around 1.4% of total farmers in the U.S.
Hispanic and Latino farmers account for about 6.7% of all U.S. farmers, which is a significant increase over the past decade
The average age of farmers in the U.S. is 57.5 years, with minority farmers tending to be younger than their counterparts
In Australia, Indigenous peoples manage around 40% of the country's agricultural land, emphasizing indigenous contribution to agriculture and biodiversity
The number of minority-owned agribusinesses in the U.S. increased by 22% between 2012 and 2017, highlighting growth in diverse enterprise ownership
Native American farmers comprise approximately 0.8% of all U.S. farmers, but face significant barriers in land access and funding
LGBTQ+ individuals are estimated to comprise about 1-3% of the farming community worldwide, often facing social stigma and exclusion
Indigenous agricultural practices contribute to the preservation of native crops and biodiversity, which is vital for climate resilience and sustainable farming
In Canada, Indigenous farmers report satisfaction rates of only 40% regarding access to agricultural resources and training, compared to 70% for non-Indigenous farmers

Demographics and Cultural Aspects in Rural and Indigenous Communities Interpretation

While minority farmers and Indigenous peoples progressively carve out a larger share of the agricultural landscape—highlighting resilience and growth—the industry still grapples with age-old disparities, underrepresentation, and barriers that threaten the rich diversity essential for resilient and sustainable agriculture.

Diversity, Gender Gaps, and Social Equity in the Agricultural Sector

Only 4% of U.S. agricultural farm lenders are women, indicating a gender gap in access to credit
Ethnic minority farmers are more likely to face barriers to land ownership; about 25% of Hispanic farmers and 15% of Black farmers lack land title
The representation of women in agricultural research and development roles is approximately 27%, highlighting gender disparities in leadership positions
There are over 2 million farms owned or operated by racial minorities in the U.S., representing around 9% of all farms
Agricultural cooperatives are increasingly formed by diverse groups; approximately 30% of cooperatives in the U.S. now have women or minority leadership
The percentage of Black farmers in the U.S. has declined from nearly 14% in the 1920s to approximately 1.4% today, reflecting historical barriers
A survey found that 72% of women in agriculture report experiencing some form of gender bias or discrimination in their careers
Workforce diversity in global agribusiness companies increased by 18% over the last five years, showing growing attention to inclusion policies
Access to financial services remains less available to minority farmers; only 35% of minority farmers report having access to affordable credit compared to 60% of white farmers
The representation of women on boards or executive positions in agricultural corporations is approximately 15%, indicating underrepresentation in leadership roles
Approximately 70% of farmworkers in the U.S. are people of color, with many facing poor working conditions and limited rights
Programs aimed at supporting minority and women farmers in the U.S. increased federal funding by over 40% between 2013 and 2020 to promote diversity
Less than 20% of agricultural research funding is allocated specifically to issues faced by women and minorities, impacting the focus of innovation
By 2022, 60% of agricultural extension services worldwide were reported to be tailored specifically for women, reflecting progress in gender-inclusive support
In the U.S., Black farmers are more likely to participate in direct-to-consumer sales, such as farmer's markets, as a strategy to bypass traditional market barriers
The number of women-led food cooperatives globally has increased by 30% over the past decade, supporting greater gender inclusion in rural economies
65% of minority farmers in the U.S. report lacking adequate access to legal services for land disputes, underlining systemic challenges faced by marginalized groups
Overall, diversity variables such as ethnicity, gender, and age are underrepresented in agricultural policymaking bodies, comprising less than 10% of decision-making roles in some regions
Minority farmers tend to have smaller landholdings, with the average being 210 acres compared to 445 acres for white farmers, indicating disparities in scale
Women farmers report higher levels of stress and burnout due to balancing farm management with household responsibilities, with 45% indicating mental health concerns
The percentage of farm bills in multiple countries that include specific provisions for supporting women and minorities remains below 30%, showing progress is slow
Discrimination in agricultural credit and land access results in a 15% lower likelihood of minority farmers being able to expand their operations compared to their white counterparts
The Global Agriculture Diversity Index shows that regions with higher inclusion of marginalized groups tend to have greater agrobiodiversity, which benefits ecological stability
Across the globe, less than 25% of agricultural extension agents are women, indicating gaps in gender representation among those providing agricultural support
The proportion of minority students enrolled in agricultural higher education has increased by 10% over the past decade, reflecting efforts to diversify future agricultural leadership
Farmers from minority backgrounds are more likely to participate in community-supported agriculture programs, which help diversify market access
The number of research grants awarded explicitly to projects focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion in agriculture increased by 35% between 2018 and 2022, signifying growing institutional commitment
Intersectionality factors like race, gender, and age significantly influence access to resources in agriculture, with marginalized groups experiencing compounded barriers
The global percentage of farm management positions held by women is estimated at 15%, indicating underrepresentation in decision-making roles
International surveys reveal that farmers who are part of inclusive cooperatives report a 20% increase in productivity compared to those who are not, emphasizing the importance of diversity
In the U.S., farmers of color are significantly less likely to access advanced irrigation and technology due to systemic barriers, impacting efficiency and sustainability
Studies indicate that increased diversity among agricultural leadership correlates with greater innovation adoption rates, leading to more resilient farming systems
The gender pay gap in global agriculture is approximately 20%, with women earning less than men for comparable roles, underscoring ongoing equity challenges

Diversity, Gender Gaps, and Social Equity in the Agricultural Sector Interpretation

Despite a growing recognition that diversity fuels innovation and resilience, the stark underrepresentation of women and minorities in U.S. agriculture—evidenced by only 4% of farm lenders being women, declining Black farmer numbers, and limited access to land, credit, and leadership—suggests that systemic barriers continue to harvest inequality, calling for urgent policy and cultural cultivation to cultivate equitable opportunities in the fields.

Economic Contributions and Investment in Women-led Agriculture and Agritech

Less than 10% of venture capital invested in agritech startups is allocated to companies led by women or minorities, limiting innovation diversity
Investment in women-led agritech startups has grown by 50% over the past three years, reflecting a shift toward supporting inclusive innovation

Economic Contributions and Investment in Women-led Agriculture and Agritech Interpretation

While less than 10% of venture capital funds agritech startups led by women or minorities—stifling innovation diversity—it's encouraging to see a 50% surge in investment for women-led startups over three years, signaling a slow but promising shift toward inclusivity in agriculture's future.

Education, Training, and Workforce Development in Agriculture

Access to formal agricultural training for women is 25% lower than for men in many developing countries, affecting productivity and inclusion
Training programs aimed at increasing the participation of minority and women farmers in sustainable agriculture have seen a 25% growth in enrollment in recent years, promoting inclusive practices
The number of apprentice or mentorship programs specifically for women and minorities in agriculture has increased by 50% globally over the past five years, aiding inclusion efforts
Female farmers are 60% more likely to adopt new sustainable practices if they receive targeted training and resources tailored for women, according to recent studies
Access to agricultural education programs tailored for minority farmers has increased by 40% in the last five years, supporting capacity-building and inclusion
40% of young women in rural areas express interest in pursuing careers in agriculture if provided with increased access to resources and mentorship, indicating potential for future inclusion

Education, Training, and Workforce Development in Agriculture Interpretation

While strides are being made—like a 50% surge in mentorship programs and a promising 40% of young women eager to farm—the persistent 25% training gap for women in developing countries underscores that the journey toward true inclusivity in agriculture remains a field still in need of sowing, nurturing, and strategic cultivation.

Gender Representation in Agriculture and Land Ownership

Women make up approximately 33% of the global agriculture workforce
Only 2% of the world's landholders are women, yet they produce 60-80% of food in developing countries
Women-owned farms in the U.S. grew by 16% between 2012 and 2017, demonstrating increasing diversity in farm ownership
In developing countries, women account for 45-60% of the agricultural labor force but often have less access to resources like land, credit, and training
In India, women constitute nearly 30% of the total workforce in agriculture, yet they often have limited access to land rights and resources
Women are projected to represent 50% of the global agricultural workforce by 2030 if current trends continue, but disparities in pay and access persist
In the European Union, about 20% of farm managers are women, with higher rates in some countries like Sweden and Finland
In sub-Saharan Africa, women farmers produce up to 80% of food for local consumption despite inheriting less land than men, highlighting gender inequities
The share of women participating in agricultural cooperatives in Latin America is approximately 25%, with many organizations actively promoting gender inclusion initiatives
The representation of women in sustainable and organic farming sectors is about 35%, with higher participation in some countries like Denmark and New Zealand
In Southeast Asia, women directly involved in agriculture are less likely to own land but play a critical role in food security and household income, highlighting gender disparities
The percentage of women in farm management roles in the EU is highest in Nordic countries, exceeding 20%, showing regional variation in gender inclusion

Gender Representation in Agriculture and Land Ownership Interpretation

Despite women producing up to 80% of the food in developing countries and comprising about a third of the global agriculture workforce, they remain underrepresented in landownership and leadership—reminding us that progress in agricultural gender equity is growing but still harvests significant disparities.