European Union Agriculture Employment
Employment in agriculture SL.AGR.EMPL.ZS
European Union's agriculture employment was 3.23% in 2025, ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 2.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
European Union's agriculture employment stood at 3.23% in 2025, a decline of +0.10% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 3.05% by 2026. European Union ranked 42nd globally.
The European Union's agricultural employment has undergone significant decline over the past three and a half decades, from a peak of 10.04 in 1991 to a trough of 3.23 in 2025. This reduction of over 68% represents a substantial shift in the sector's labor dynamics, reflecting changing economic priorities and technological advancements. In comparison, countries like Jordan and Italy exhibit similar declines, with Jordan's agricultural employment standing at 3.12, while Italy's is at 3.35 in 2025. Estonia, on the other hand, has seen a more modest decline, with its agricultural employment at 2.96 in 2025. As the EU continues to integrate and adopt more advanced agricultural practices, a further decline in agricultural employment is likely. However, an increase in investment in sustainable agricultural technologies or a shift in agricultural policy could alter this trajectory, potentially leading to a stabilization or even growth in agricultural employment in the EU.
Data & projection
| Year | Agriculture Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 2.70% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 2.87% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 3.05% | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.23% | −0.10% | #42 |
| 2024 | 3.33% | −0.34% | #42 |
| 2023 | 3.66% | −0.13% | #46 |
| 2022 | 3.79% | −0.09% | #44 |
| 2021 | 3.88% | +0.01% | #43 |
| 2020 | 3.87% | −0.05% | #44 |
| 2019 | 3.91% | −0.10% | #45 |
| 2018 | 4.02% | −0.18% | #45 |
| 2017 | 4.19% | −0.12% | #46 |
| 2016 | 4.31% | −0.21% | #46 |
| 2015 | 4.52% | −0.21% | #46 |
| 2014 | 4.73% | −0.12% | #48 |
| 2013 | 4.85% | −0.13% | #48 |
| 2012 | 4.98% | −0.03% | #46 |
| 2011 | 5.01% | −0.15% | #47 |
Analysis
European Union's agriculture employment was 3.23% in 2025, a decline of −0.10% from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 3.05% by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
European Union's agriculture employment was 3.23% in 2025. Ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 2.9% decrease from the previous year.
European Union's agriculture employment peaked at 10.04% in 1991.
The lowest agriculture employment in European Union was 3.23% in 2025.
European Union ranks 42nd globally in agriculture employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.AGR.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
European Union's agriculture employment is projected to reach 3.05% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The agriculture employment of European Union in 2025 was 3.23%. This ranks 42nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_european-union_agriculture-employment,
title = {European Union Agriculture Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/european-union/agriculture-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}