Agriculture by Numbers

A snapshot of key agricultural statistics and facts.

Global Agricultural Landscape

Agriculture is a vital sector of the global economy, providing food, raw materials, and employment for a significant portion of the world's population. The following numbers shed light on the scale and importance of agriculture today.

Employment in Agriculture

Approximately 28% of the global workforce is employed in agriculture, making it one of the largest employers worldwide.

Water Usage

The agricultural sector accounts for roughly 70% of the world's freshwater consumption, primarily for irrigation.

Land Use

Around 50% of the world's habitable land is used for agriculture.

Australian Agriculture in Focus

Australia is a major agricultural producer and exporter. Here are some key statistics for the Australian agricultural sector:

Gross Value of Production

The gross value of Australian agricultural production was approximately $90 billion in 2022-23.

Major Commodities

Key agricultural commodities in Australia include cattle, wheat, wool, and a diverse range of fruits and vegetables.

Family Owned Farms

An estimated 99% of farm businesses in Australia are family owned and operated.