GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Global Agriculture Industry Statistics

Global Agriculture Industry Statistics show a growing sector with increasing demand for food production, technological advancements, and challenges related to sustainability and climate change.

Highlights: Global Agriculture Industry Statistics

  • The global agriculture industry is expected to reach a market value of US$22.69 billion in 2021.
  • The economic value of agriculture represented around 3.5 percent of the global gross product in 2019.
  • The agricultural output has increased by roughly 60% over the last 40 years.
  • About 25% of the world's agriculture land is used for livestock.
  • Around 40% of the global working population was employed in agriculture in the year 2020.
  • The global agricultural film market size was valued at USD 9.1 billion in 2019.
  • Agriculture uses 70% of the world's fresh water.
  • In 2019, China was the largest agricultural producer, accounting for 17% of the total global output.
  • 25% of greenhouse gas emissions derive from Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use.
  • Precision farming market worth $12.8 billion by 2025.
  • Over 2 billion people globally depend on agriculture for livelihood.
  • The global agricultural drones market is projected to reach USD 8.7 billion by 2027.
  • 38% of the world's total land area is used for agriculture.
  • Approximately 11% of the world's population is undernourished as of 2018.
  • 75% of crop diversity was lost between 1900 and 2000.
  • Global agriculture emits around 5.3 to 5.8 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
  • Around 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted globally each year.
  • Livestock farming accounts for 14.5% of all human-made greenhouse gas emissions.
  • In 2020, E-commerce for farm products in China reached a market scale of 434.5 billion yuan.

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The Latest Global Agriculture Industry Statistics Explained

The global agriculture industry is expected to reach a market value of US$22.69 billion in 2021.

The statistic that the global agriculture industry is projected to reach a market value of US$22.69 billion in 2021 indicates the expected size and economic significance of the industry this year. This figure represents the total value of agricultural products and services traded worldwide and highlights the continued growth and importance of agriculture on a global scale. Factors such as population growth, changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and government policies all contribute to the overall market value. This statistic serves as a key indicator of the industry’s health and can be used by stakeholders, policymakers, and investors to make informed decisions and strategic planning for the future.

The economic value of agriculture represented around 3.5 percent of the global gross product in 2019.

The statistic indicates that the economic value generated by the agriculture sector accounted for approximately 3.5 percent of the total global gross product in 2019. This percentage reflects the significance of agriculture in contributing to the overall economic output of the world. The value of agriculture includes not only the production of crops and livestock but also related activities such as processing, distribution, and marketing. Considering the crucial role that agriculture plays in providing food, employment, and raw materials for various industries, its contribution to the global economy is substantial and highlights the sector’s importance in driving economic growth and development.

The agricultural output has increased by roughly 60% over the last 40 years.

The statistic that agricultural output has increased by roughly 60% over the last 40 years signifies a significant growth in the productivity of the agricultural sector. This increase could be attributed to advancements in technology, improved farming practices, increased investment in agricultural infrastructure, and the adoption of modern agricultural techniques. A 60% growth rate over four decades implies a consistent and positive trend in agricultural production, which can have far-reaching implications for food security, economic development, and overall well-being of a country’s population. It also suggests the ability of the agricultural sector to adapt and respond to changing demographic, environmental, and market dynamics over time.

About 25% of the world’s agriculture land is used for livestock.

The statistic stating that about 25% of the world’s agricultural land is utilized for livestock refers to the significant extent to which farmable land is dedicated to the production of animals for meat, dairy, and other products. This allocation of land highlights the substantial impact that livestock farming has on global food production systems and the environment. Livestock farming requires significant land resources for grazing as well as for growing animal feed crops, contributing to deforestation, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding the scale of agricultural land use for livestock helps to contextualize the challenges and complexities associated with sustainably feeding a growing global population while also mitigating the environmental impacts of food production.

Around 40% of the global working population was employed in agriculture in the year 2020.

The statistic that around 40% of the global working population was employed in agriculture in the year 2020 indicates a significant presence of agricultural workers worldwide. This highlights the sector’s importance as a major source of employment for a substantial portion of the global workforce. The high percentage suggests that agriculture remains a crucial industry for sustaining livelihoods and economies in many regions, particularly in developing countries where agriculture is a primary contributor to GDP. The statistic underscores the ongoing reliance on agriculture for employment opportunities and underscores the need for continued support and investment in this sector to ensure food security and economic stability for millions of workers globally.

The global agricultural film market size was valued at USD 9.1 billion in 2019.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, the total market value of agricultural film worldwide was estimated to be USD 9.1 billion. Agricultural films are used in the agriculture industry for various purposes such as greenhouse covering, mulching, and silage protection. The size of the market suggests the significant demand and adoption of agricultural films globally, reflecting the importance and reliance of this product in modern agricultural practices. This figure serves as a key indicator of the economic importance and scale of the agricultural film industry, highlighting its substantial contribution to the overall agricultural sector.

Agriculture uses 70% of the world’s fresh water.

The statistic stating that agriculture uses 70% of the world’s fresh water highlights the significant impact of farming practices on global water resources. This statistic underscores the importance of water management in agriculture, as irrigation and crop production are major contributors to water consumption. With demand for food expected to increase due to population growth and changing dietary patterns, sustainable water use in agriculture becomes increasingly crucial to ensure food security and environmental sustainability. Policymakers, farmers, and stakeholders must work together to implement efficient irrigation techniques, adopt water-saving practices, and promote sustainable agriculture to minimize water waste and preserve freshwater resources for future generations.

In 2019, China was the largest agricultural producer, accounting for 17% of the total global output.

The statistic signifies that in 2019, China’s agricultural sector had the highest production output compared to any other country worldwide, contributing 17% to the total global agricultural output. This indicates that China plays a significant role in supplying agricultural products to the international market and meeting global demands for food and other agricultural commodities. The statistic highlights China’s importance in the agricultural industry and its influence on the overall global food supply chain.

25% of greenhouse gas emissions derive from Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use.

The statistic “25% of greenhouse gas emissions derive from Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use” indicates that a significant portion of global emissions contributing to climate change comes from activities related to agriculture, forestry, and land use practices. These sectors release greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide through various activities like livestock production, deforestation, and land clearing. Addressing emissions in these sectors is crucial for mitigating climate change, and sustainable practices and policies are needed to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, forestry, and land use activities.

Precision farming market worth $12.8 billion by 2025.

The statistic “Precision farming market worth $12.8 billion by 2025.” indicates the projected value of the precision farming market by the year 2025. Precision farming, also known as precision agriculture, involves the use of technology and data analytics to optimize farming practices and increase efficiency. The estimated market worth of $12.8 billion suggests significant growth and investment in the adoption of precision farming techniques globally. This growth can be attributed to advancements in technology, greater awareness of sustainability in agriculture, and the increasing demand for higher crop yields. The statistic serves as a key indicator of the growing importance and potential impact of precision farming in the agricultural sector in the coming years.

Over 2 billion people globally depend on agriculture for livelihood.

The statistic “Over 2 billion people globally depend on agriculture for livelihood” highlights the significant impact that agriculture has on the lives and sustenance of a large portion of the global population. With more than 2 billion individuals relying on agriculture for their livelihoods, this statistic underscores the crucial role that farming and related activities play in providing food, income, and employment opportunities for a substantial portion of the world’s population. The widespread dependence on agriculture also emphasizes the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and policies to ensure food security, economic stability, and livelihood opportunities for these billions of individuals who rely on the sector for their well-being.

The global agricultural drones market is projected to reach USD 8.7 billion by 2027.

This statistic indicates that the global agricultural drones market is forecasted to grow significantly and reach a value of USD 8.7 billion by the year 2027. This projection suggests a strong upward trend in the adoption and usage of agricultural drones within the farming industry. Agricultural drones are unmanned aerial vehicles that can be equipped with various sensors and cameras to monitor crop health, optimize field management practices, and improve overall efficiency in agricultural operations. The expected growth in the market value points towards the increasing recognition of the benefits and advantages offered by agricultural drone technology in enhancing productivity and sustainability in modern farming practices.

38% of the world’s total land area is used for agriculture.

The statistic that 38% of the world’s total land area is used for agriculture indicates the extent to which farming and cultivation activities dominate land use on a global scale. This statistic suggests that a significant portion of the Earth’s surface is dedicated to producing food, feed, fiber, and other agricultural products to sustain humanity’s needs and demands. The widespread utilization of land for agricultural purposes highlights the crucial role that this sector plays in providing sustenance, economic livelihoods, and environmental services, while also raising concerns about issues such as deforestation, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss due to the expansion of agricultural activities. This statistic underscores the substantial footprint of human activity on the planet’s land resources and underscores the importance of sustainable agriculture practices to ensure food security and environmental preservation for future generations.

Approximately 11% of the world’s population is undernourished as of 2018.

The statistic stating that approximately 11% of the world’s population is undernourished as of 2018 represents a significant global issue in terms of food insecurity and malnutrition. This statistic indicates that over 820 million people worldwide do not have enough food to eat on a daily basis, leading to serious health consequences and perpetuating a cycle of poverty and hunger. Undernourishment can have detrimental effects on physical and cognitive development, as well as increase susceptibility to diseases and decrease overall quality of life. Addressing this issue requires coordinated efforts from governments, organizations, and individuals to ensure equitable access to nutritious food for all individuals, emphasizing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, poverty alleviation, and food distribution systems.

75% of crop diversity was lost between 1900 and 2000.

The statistic ‘75% of crop diversity was lost between 1900 and 2000’ means that the variety of different crops that were grown and utilized by humans significantly decreased over the course of the 20th century. This loss of crop diversity can have profound implications for food security, as a narrow range of crops may be more susceptible to pests, diseases, and environmental changes. The reasons for this decline in crop diversity include factors such as the adoption of industrial agriculture practices favoring high-yielding but genetically uniform varieties, urbanization leading to loss of agricultural land, and the displacement of traditional farming methods and indigenous crop varieties. Efforts to conserve and protect crop diversity through methods such as seed banks and promoting agroecological practices are essential for ensuring a resilient and sustainable food supply for future generations.

Global agriculture emits around 5.3 to 5.8 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

The statistic states that global agriculture activities release an estimated annual total of approximately 5.3 to 5.8 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This indicates that agricultural practices, such as livestock production, fertilizer application, and land use changes, significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The range provided reflects the variability in measurement methods and data sources used to estimate these emissions. Understanding the extent of carbon dioxide emissions from agriculture is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate its impact on climate change and implementing sustainable practices in the agricultural sector to reduce its carbon footprint.

Around 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted globally each year.

The statistic that around 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted globally each year highlights a significant and concerning issue of inefficiency in our food systems. This massive amount of food waste not only signifies substantial economic losses but also has negative environmental and social impacts. Wasting such a large quantity of food contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water wastage associated with food production. Moreover, in a world where millions suffer from hunger and malnutrition, this level of food waste represents a missed opportunity to alleviate food insecurity and improve global food distribution. Addressing and reducing food waste is crucial for promoting sustainability, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring food security for all.

Livestock farming accounts for 14.5% of all human-made greenhouse gas emissions.

The statistic that livestock farming accounts for 14.5% of all human-made greenhouse gas emissions highlights the significant contribution of the livestock industry to global greenhouse gas emissions. This figure includes emissions from activities such as enteric fermentation in ruminant animals, manure management, and deforestation for livestock grazing and feed production. The methane produced during digestion and decomposition processes in livestock, along with nitrous oxide emissions from manure management, are particularly potent greenhouse gases with strong warming potential. Understanding and addressing the environmental impact of livestock farming is crucial in efforts to mitigate climate change and achieve sustainability in food production systems.

In 2020, E-commerce for farm products in China reached a market scale of 434.5 billion yuan.

The statistic stating that in 2020, E-commerce for farm products in China reached a market scale of 434.5 billion yuan highlights the significant growth and importance of online platforms in the agricultural sector within the Chinese market. This figure reflects the increasing digitalization of the agriculture industry, where farmers, producers, and consumers are increasingly using online platforms to connect, trade, and access a wider range of farm products. The substantial market scale of 434.5 billion yuan further underscores the potential and opportunities presented by E-commerce in transforming the way agricultural products are bought and sold in China, ultimately contributing to the overall efficiency and competitiveness of the sector.

Conclusion

The global agriculture industry statistics provide valuable insights into the current trends and challenges facing the sector. By examining data on crop production, land use, exports, and technology adoption, we can better understand the opportunities for growth and innovation in this vital industry. As we navigate issues such as food security, sustainability, and climate change, these statistics will continue to be a crucial tool for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in shaping the future of agriculture worldwide.

References

0. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

1. – https://www.www.epa.gov

2. – https://www.www.statista.com

3. – https://www.www.fao.org

4. – https://www.www.wri.org

5. – https://www.thewaterproject.org

6. – https://www.www.un.org

7. – https://www.www.thegef.org

8. – https://www.data.worldbank.org

9. – https://www.www.marketsandmarkets.com

10. – 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.

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