12 Top Agricultural Producing Countries

Agriculture has been the backbone of human civilization, providing food and resources necessary for survival. Today, with the growth of global trade, agriculture plays a vital role in the world economy. The agricultural sector employs more than 1.3 billion people worldwide, and the global agricultural output is expected to grow by 20% in the next decade.

Some of the top agricultural-producing nations include China, the USA, Brazil, India, Russia, France, Mexico, Japan, Germany, Turkiye, The Netherlands, and Chile.

These 12 top agricultural-producing countries are responsible for a significant portion of the world’s food supply. From China to the United States, we will delve into each country’s agricultural practices, products, and contributions to the world’s food supply chain.

12 Top Agricultural Producing Countries

Almost every country around the world engages in one form of agricultural activities to the other. However, some are known to be outstanding in the endeavor compared to others.

That is why we are interested to provide a list of the 12 top agricultural-producing countries in the world. The ranking is based on their production of crops, livestock, and other agricultural products.

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#1. China

With a population of over 1.4 billion people, China is the world’s largest agricultural producer, with a total agricultural output value of over $1 trillion USD. Despite having only 7% of the world’s arable land, China is able to feed 22% of the global population.

In the 20th century, China faced significant challenges in feeding its large population. With the implementation of upgraded farming policies and technologies, China was able to achieve self-sufficiency in food production and experience significant growth.

However, China’s top economic planning body has warned that maintaining this level of self-sufficiency may become increasingly difficult in the future.

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The country’s large population and vast land area allow for a diverse range of crops and livestock to be produced.

Some of the major crops grown in China include:

• Rice: China is the largest producer of rice in the world, accounting for over 30% of global rice production. The country grows a variety of rice types, including indica and japonica rice.
• Wheat: China is also one of the world’s largest producers of wheat, with over 130 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Corn: China is the world’s second-largest producer of corn, after the United States. The country produces both yellow and white corn and is a major importer of corn as well.
• Soybeans: China is the world’s largest importer of soybeans, but it is also a significant producer of the crop. In 2020, China produced over 18 million metric tons of soybeans.
• Cotton: China is the world’s largest producer of cotton, accounting for around 30% of global cotton production. The country produces both short-staple and long-staple cotton.

In addition to crops, China is also a major producer of livestock, including:

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• Pigs: China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of pork, with over half of the world’s pigs raised in the country.
• Chickens: China is the world’s largest producer of chickens, with over 4 billion chickens raised each year.

#2. USA

The United States is the world’s second-largest agricultural producer, with a total agricultural output value of over $400 billion USD. The country’s diverse climate and geography allow for a wide variety of crops and livestock to be produced.

Some of the major crops grown in the United States include:

• Corn: The United States is the world’s largest producer of corn, with over 360 million metric tons produced in 2020. The country produces both yellow and white corn, and much of it is used for animal feed or ethanol production.
• Soybeans: The United States is the world’s second-largest producer of soybeans, after Brazil. In 2020, the country produced over 112 million metric tons of soybeans.
• Wheat: The United States is one of the world’s largest producers of wheat, with over 50 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Cotton: The United States is the world’s third-largest producer of cotton, after China and India. The country produces both upland and pima cotton.
• Fruits and vegetables: The United States produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including apples, oranges, grapes, strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce, and potatoes.

In addition to crops, the United States is also a major producer of livestock, including:

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• Beef: The United States is one of the world’s largest producers of beef, with over 12 million cattle slaughtered each year.
• Pork: The United States is the world’s third-largest producer of pork, after China and the European Union. The country produces over 11 million metric tons of pork each year.
• Poultry: The United States is the world’s second-largest producer of poultry, after China. The country produces over 20 billion pounds of chicken meat and 9 billion pounds of turkey meat each year.

#3. Brazil    

Brazil: Brazil is the world’s third-largest agricultural producer, with a total agricultural output value of over $200 billion USD. The country’s tropical climate allows for a diverse range of crops to be produced. Some of the major crops grown in Brazil include:

• Soybeans: Brazil is the world’s largest producer of soybeans, with over 135 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Corn: Brazil is the world’s third-largest producer of corn, after the United States and China. The country produced over 110 million metric tons of corn in 2020.
• Sugar: Brazil is the world’s largest producer of sugarcane, which is used to produce sugar and ethanol.

In addition to crops, Brazil is also a major producer of livestock, including:

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• Beef: Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of beef, and is one of the world’s largest producers of beef as well. The country produces over 10 million metric tons of beef each year.
• Poultry: Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of poultry, and produces over 13 million metric tons of chicken meat each year.

Other major agricultural products in Brazil include coffee, oranges, and cotton.

#4. India

India is a major agricultural producer, with agriculture being the primary source of livelihood for a significant portion of the population.

The country has a diverse range of agro-climatic zones, which allows for a wide variety of crops and livestock to be produced. Some of the major crops grown in India include:

• Rice: India is the world’s second-biggest rice producer, following China. The country produced over 118 million metric tons of rice in 2020.
• Wheat: India is the world’s second-largest producer of wheat, after China. The country produced over 107 million metric tons of wheat in 2020.
• Sugarcane: India is the world’s second-largest producer of sugarcane, after Brazil. The country produced over 385 million metric tons of sugarcane in 2020.
• Cotton: India is the world’s largest producer of cotton, with over 6 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Tea: India ranks second in the world in tea production, following China, with tea being one of its major agricultural products.

In addition to crops, India is also a major producer of livestock, including:

• Cattle: India has the largest population of cattle in the world, with over 300 million head.
• Buffalo: India is the world’s largest producer of buffalo milk, with over 70 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Poultry: India is one of the world’s largest producers of eggs, with over 100 billion eggs produced in 2020.

Other major agricultural products in India include pulses, oilseeds, and spices. In fact, India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices, producing over 4 million metric tons of spices each year.

#5. Russia

Russia is one of the world’s largest agricultural producers, with a total agricultural output value of over $100 billion USD.

The country’s vast land area and diverse climate allow for a wide range of crops and livestock to be produced. Some of the major crops grown in Russia include:

• Wheat: Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of wheat, with over 85 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Barley: Russia is the world’s third-largest producer of barley, after the European Union and Australia. The country produced over 20 million metric tons of barley in 2020.
• Potatoes: Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of potatoes, with over 30 million metric tons produced in 2020.

In addition to crops, Russia is also a significant producer of livestock, including:

• Beef: Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of beef, with over 2 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Pork: Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of pork, with over 4 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Poultry: Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of poultry, with over 5 million metric tons of chicken meat produced in 2020.

#6. France

France is the largest agricultural producer in the European Union, with a total agricultural output value of over $70 billion USD.

The country has around 730,000 farms, and about 7% of the population earns their livelihood from agriculture, fishing, or forestry.

In France, almost everyone is involved in agriculture-related activities, including producing agricultural goods. This shows that the population of France engaged in agriculture is quite significant.

France produces a wide range of crops, including:

• Wheat: France is one of the top producers of wheat in the European Union, with over 36 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Corn: France is also a significant producer of corn, with over 14 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Wine grapes: France is famous for its wine, and is one of the world’s largest producers of wine grapes, producing over 42 million hectoliters of wine in 2020.

In addition to crops, France is also a significant producer of livestock, including:

• Dairy: France is one of the largest producers of dairy products in the European Union, with over 24 million metric tons of milk produced in 2020.
• Beef: France is also a significant producer of beef, with over 1.6 million metric tons produced in 2020.

#7. Mexico

Agriculture in Mexico is crucial for the country’s economy both historically and politically. Although agriculture contributes a small percentage to Mexico’s GDP, it is a vital sector of the economy.

Mexico is known for producing a wide variety of crops, including avocados, beans, tomatoes, peppers, maize, and many more. The country is also a significant agricultural exporter.

The main feature of Mexican agriculture is growing crops, and about half of the country’s agricultural output comes from crops.

Some of the major crops grown in Mexico include:

• Wheat: Mexico is the world’s sixth-largest producer of wheat, with over 3 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Sugarcane: Mexico is one of the largest producers of sugarcane in the world, with over 54 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Peppers: Mexico is known for its chili pepper production, with jalapenos, serranos, and habaneros being popular varieties.
• Corn: Mexico is the birthplace of corn and remains an essential crop in the country. Mexico produces a variety of corn types, including white, yellow, and blue corn.
• Bananas: Mexico is a significant producer of bananas, with over 2.5 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Sorghum: Mexico is the world’s ninth-largest producer of sorghum, with over 3 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Blue Agave: Mexico is the only producer of blue agave, which is used to make tequila.

In addition to crops, Mexico is also a significant producer of livestock, including:

• Poultry: Mexico is the world’s fourth-largest chicken meat producer, with over 3 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Eggs: Mexico is the world’s tenth-largest producer of eggs, with over 3 billion eggs produced in 2020.
• Beef: Mexico is a significant producer of beef, with over 2 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Milk: Mexico is the world’s ninth-largest producer of milk, with over 12 million metric tons produced in 2020.

Other major agricultural products in Mexico include coffee, fruits, and vegetables. Around 15% of the land in Mexico is used for agriculture, with about 50% used for livestock production.

#8. Japan

Japan is an island nation with a population of approximately 126 million people. Despite having a relatively small land area, agriculture has played an important role in Japanese culture and history.

Today, agriculture contributes only 2% of GDP, and around 10% of the country’s people live on farms.

Japan’s strong traditional food culture centers around rice and other foods such as grains, fish, vegetables, and mountain plants. The country has a diverse agricultural sector, with a focus on high-quality products and specialty crops.

Despite having a large population, the average area covered by farms is only 1.2 hectares (3 acres), and farmers often practice concerted cultivation, which involves working together to cultivate small plots of land.

There are two significant types of agriculture fields in Japan, namely Siden, and Tambo. Siden is a type of paddy field located on sloping land, while Tambo is a flat paddy field. Both types of fields require intensive manual labor, which contributes to the high cost of agricultural production in Japan.

Some of the major crops grown in Japan include:

• Rice: Rice is the most important crop in Japan and is a staple food in the Japanese diet. Japanese rice is known for its high quality and is used in a variety of traditional dishes such as sushi and rice balls.
• Vegetables: Japan is known for producing high-quality vegetables, including daikon radish, Japanese cucumbers, and kabocha squash. These vegetables are used in a variety of traditional dishes.
• Fruits: Japan is also known for producing high-quality fruits, including melons, grapes, and strawberries. These fruits are often given as gifts and are considered luxury items.

In terms of livestock, Japan produces relatively small amounts of meat compared to other countries. However, the country is known for producing high-quality wagyu beef, which is highly prized for its marbled texture and rich flavor. Japan also produces pork, chicken, and dairy products.

Overall, agriculture plays an important cultural and economic role in Japan, despite its relatively small contribution to GDP.

The country’s focus on high-quality produce and specialty crops has allowed it to maintain a competitive edge in the global market.

#9. Germany

Germany is one of the largest agricultural producers in Europe, with a total agricultural output value of over $70 billion USD. The country’s rich farmland and temperate climate allow for a wide variety of crops and livestock to be produced.

Around 80% of the country’s land is occupied by forestry and agriculture. In 1997, family farms dominated in the old western states, and approximately 87% of Germany’s farmers farm on land less than 124 acres.

Germany’s agricultural products differ from area to area, with the southern and western parts of river valleys covered with vineyards.

Around half of Germany’s area is occupied for land cultivation, and agricultural goods worth over 50 billion euros are produced each year by the country’s 1 million people. Germany ranks third in the world in agricultural goods exports, with around a third of the products exported from the country.

Approximately 10% of Germans are engaged in organic farming. Finally, Germany is the fourth-largest beer producer in the world, with beer being one of the country’s most popular agricultural products.

Some of the major crops grown in Germany include:

• Pork: Germany is the largest pork producer in Europe, and pork is one of the country’s main agricultural exports. The country’s pig farms are mostly concentrated in the northwest and east regions.
• Poultry: Germany is also a significant producer of poultry, with over 900 million chickens and turkeys raised each year.
• Potatoes: Germany is the largest potato producer in Europe and one of the largest in the world, with over 10 million metric tons produced each year.
• Milk: Germany is one of the largest milk producers in Europe, with over 30 million metric tons produced each year. Dairy farming is particularly important in the southern regions of the country.
• Cereals: Germany produces a variety of cereals, including wheat, barley, and rye. These crops are grown throughout the country.

In addition to crops, Germany is also a major producer of livestock, including beef and dairy cattle, sheep, and goats. Other major agricultural products in Germany include sugar beets, cabbages, and wine.

#10. Turkiye

The Turkish population mainly relies on agriculture as their primary occupation, while the industry and service sectors are experiencing continual growth.

Turkey is a self-sufficient food-procuring country, thanks to its suitable climate conditions, fertile soil, and significant rainfall, which allows for the production of every type of crop.

Farming is conducted in almost all regions of Turkey, while in mountain regions, poultry farming is done on a vast scale, contributing a quarter to the gross value of the total farm production.

The major crops produced in Turkey include:

• Wheat: Wheat is the most produced grain in Turkey, and it is one of the country’s staple crops. In 2020, Turkey had over 19 million metric tons of wheat.
• Sugar Beet: Sugar beet is the second most produced commodity in Turkey, with over 19 million metric tons produced in 2020.
• Vegetables: Turkey is the fourth-largest producer of vegetables, producing a wide variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cucumbers.
• Fruits: Turkey is the largest producer of apricots, figs, raisins, and hazelnuts in the world. The country is also the fourth-largest producer of grapes.

In addition to crops, Turkey is also a significant producer of livestock, including:

• Cows: Turkey produces approximately 23 million liters of milk per day, making it the third-largest milk producer in Europe.
• Poultry: Turkey is one of the world’s leading poultry producers, with over 100 million turkeys living on farms.
• Bees: Turkey is also one of the world’s largest honey producers, with over 100,000 beekeepers and millions of beehives.

Approximately 19.2% of total employment in Turkey is provided by the agriculture sector, with over 7.5 million people employed in the sector in 2018.

#11. The Netherland

The Netherlands is a small country located in Western Europe, but it is one of the world’s leading agricultural producers.

Despite its small size, the country is densely populated and heavily urbanized, which has led to a focus on high-tech and efficient agriculture.

The Netherlands is known for its use of innovative technologies in agriculture, such as precision farming and hydroponics.

Some of the major crops grown in the Netherlands include:

• Tomatoes: The Netherlands is one of the largest producers of tomatoes in the world, with much of it grown in greenhouses using advanced technologies like hydroponics.
• Bell peppers: The country is also a major producer of bell peppers, which are also grown in greenhouses.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers are another important greenhouse crop in the Netherlands.
• Flowers: The Netherlands is famous for its flower industry, particularly tulips, but also produces a wide variety of other flowers and bulbs.

In addition to crops, the Netherlands is also a major producer of livestock, including:

• Dairy cattle: The Netherlands is one of the world’s largest exporters of dairy products, with dairy cattle being a major part of the agricultural industry.
• Pigs: The country is also a significant producer of pork, with many pig farms located in the southern part of the country.
• Poultry: Poultry farming is also important in the Netherlands, with chickens being the most commonly raised bird.

Other major agricultural products in the Netherlands include potatoes, onions, and apples. Despite its small size, the Netherlands is a major player in the global agricultural industry and is known for its innovative and efficient farming practices.

#12. Chile

Chile is a South American country known for its long, narrow shape and diverse geography, which ranges from the Atacama Desert to the Andes mountains.

Chile is a major agricultural producer, with a total agricultural output value of over $16 billion USD.

Some of the major crops grown in Chile include:

• Grapes: Chile is one of the world’s largest exporters of fresh grapes, with over 2 million tons of grapes produced annually. The country’s grape production is concentrated in the central and northern regions and is used for both fresh consumption and wine production.
• Apples: Chile is also a significant producer of apples, with over 1 million tons produced annually. The country’s apple production is concentrated in the southern regions and is exported to markets around the world.
• Blueberries: Chile is the world’s largest exporter of fresh blueberries, with over 100,000 tons produced annually. The country’s blueberry production is concentrated in the central regions and is exported to markets in North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Avocados: Chile is a significant producer of avocados, with over 250,000 tons produced annually. The country’s avocado production is concentrated in the central regions, and is exported to markets in North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Walnuts: Chile is a major producer of walnuts, with over 120,000 tons produced annually. The country’s walnut production is concentrated in the central and southern regions, and is exported to markets around the world.

In addition to crops, Chile is also a producer of livestock, including:

• Cattle: Chile is a significant producer of beef and dairy cattle, with over 4 million head of cattle raised annually. The country’s cattle production is concentrated in the southern regions.
• Pigs: Chile is a significant producer of pork, with over 800,000 pigs raised annually. The country’s pig production is concentrated in the central regions.

Other major agricultural products in Chile include grapes for wine production, kiwis, cherries, and salmon.

Factors Contributing To The Success Of Each Country’s Agricultural Sector

Here are some of the factors contributing to the success of each country’s agricultural sector. They include:

#1. Favorable Climate and Geography:

Countries with favorable climates and geographies for agriculture tend to be more successful in this sector. For example, Brazil’s warm climate and vast land area make it ideal for producing crops such as soybeans and coffee.

#2. Investment in Research and Development

Countries that invest in research and development of new agricultural technologies and techniques tend to be more successful in this sector. For example, the United States investment in agricultural research has led to significant increases in crop yields and efficiency.

#3. Access to Technology:

Countries with access to modern agricultural technology and machinery tend to be more successful in this sector. For example, Japan’s use of advanced machinery and precision agriculture techniques has led to high levels of productivity and efficiency.

#4. Government Support:

Governments that provide support and incentives to farmers and agricultural businesses tend to be more successful in this sector. For example, China’s government subsidies for agriculture have helped to boost crop yields and increase the use of modern technology.

Challenges Faced By The Top 12 Agricultural-Producing Countries

Despite their success, the top 12 agricultural-producing countries face a range of challenges in maintaining their productivity and competitiveness.

Some of these challenges include:

#1. Climate Change

Changes in climate patterns can have a significant impact on crop yields and agricultural productivity, particularly in regions that are already prone to extreme weather events such as droughts or floods.

#2. Water Scarcity

Many agricultural regions face challenges related to water scarcity, which can limit crop yields and productivity. For example, in parts of California, water shortages have led to reductions in crop acreage and yield.

#3. Land Degradation

Overuse of agricultural land can lead to soil degradation and reduced productivity over time, particularly in regions where intensive farming practices are common.

#4. Economic and Trade Pressures

Global economic and trade pressures can affect the agricultural sector, particularly for countries that rely heavily on exports. For example, changes in trade policies or tariffs can have a significant impact on crop prices and demand.

Lessons That Can Be Learned From Successful Agricultural Production In These Top Producing Countries

There are several lessons that can be learned from the successful agricultural production in the top 12 producing countries, including:

#1. Embrace Technology

The use of modern agricultural technology and techniques can help to increase productivity and efficiency, particularly in regions with limited land or water resources.

#2. Invest in Research and Development

Investment in agricultural research and development can lead to the development of new crop varieties and farming techniques that can improve yields and reduce environmental impacts.

#3. Diversify Crop Production

Diversifying crop production can help to mitigate the risks associated with weather events, pests, and disease outbreaks.

#4. Provide Government Support

Governments can play a key role in supporting farmers and agricultural businesses through subsidies, incentives, and infrastructure investments. This can help to boost productivity, increase sustainability, and promote economic growth in rural areas.

Top Agricultural Producing Countries In Africa

1. Nigeria: Nigeria is the largest agricultural producer in Africa, producing a wide range of crops such as cassava, yams, cocoa, and palm oil.
2. Egypt: Egypt is known for its production of cotton, fruits, and vegetables, particularly in the fertile Nile River valley.
3. South Africa: South Africa is a major producer of maize, wheat, citrus, and wine, among other crops.
4. Morocco: Morocco is a significant producer of citrus fruits, olives, and cereals, particularly wheat.
5. Ethiopia: Ethiopia is known for its production of coffee, tea, and other crops such as maize, wheat, and pulses.

Largest Agricultural Exporters

1. United States: The United States is the largest agricultural exporter in the world, exporting products such as soybeans, corn, and wheat.
2. Brazil: Brazil is a major exporter of soybeans, coffee, and sugar, among other agricultural products.
3. European Union: The European Union is a major exporter of dairy products, wine, and processed foods, among other agricultural products.
4. China: China is a significant exporter of fruits and vegetables, particularly apples, pears, and onions.
5. India: India is a major exporter of rice, spices, and fruits and vegetables, particularly mangoes.

Top 10 Agricultural Exporting Countries In The World

1. United States
2. Brazil
3. European Union
4. China
5. India
6. Canada
7. Thailand
8. Argentina
9. Australia
10. Indonesia

Top Food Producing Countries

1. China: China is the world’s largest producer of rice, wheat, and potatoes, among other crops.
2. India: India is a significant producer of rice, wheat, and sugarcane, among other crops.
3. United States: The United States is a major producer of corn, soybeans, and wheat, among other crops.
4. Brazil: Brazil is known for its production of coffee, soybeans, and sugarcane, among other crops.
5. Russia: Russia is a significant producer of wheat, barley, and other grains.

What Are The Top 5 Agricultural Products

1. Maize: Maize, also known as corn, is the world’s most produced crop, used in food, animal feed, and industrial applications.
2. Rice: Rice is a staple food for millions of people around the world and is produced in large quantities in countries such as China, India, and Indonesia.
3. Wheat: Wheat is a major staple food crop and is produced in large quantities in countries such as China, India, and the United States.
4. Soybeans: Soybeans are a major source of protein for animal feed and are produced in large quantities in countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Argentina.
5. Cotton: Cotton is an important cash crop used in the production of textiles and is produced in large quantities in countries such as the United States, India, and China.

Conclusion

Agriculture plays a crucial role in the global economy and is essential for ensuring food security. The 12 countries discussed in this article represent the top agricultural producers in the world, and their contributions to the sector are vital for meeting the growing demand for food.

These countries face various challenges, such as climate change and population growth, but they continue to innovate and implement sustainable practices to ensure a secure and efficient food system for generations to come.