The agro-industrial sector in Argentina is a important engine for employment, supporting a vast and continuous “employment wheel” that encompasses a wide array of professions, from farmers and technicians to veterinarians and logistics specialists. This sector’s contribution to national employment is substantial,with grain chains alone employing over 1 million workers,a figure that could fill 32 stadiums the size of Chelsea’s home ground. The meat industry (beef, poultry, and pork) further bolsters this, providing jobs for 800,000 people, enough to fill 16 stadiums like paris Saint-Germain’s.
In the most recent period, agro-industrial chains saw a 2.1% increase in job creation compared to the previous year.The top five growing sectors within this category were sunflower, tobacco, fruits and vegetables, dairy, and machinery.
the agro-industrial sector accounts for 4,200,283 jobs in Argentina. These jobs are distributed across various segments: 33% in production, 27% in trade, 22% in industry, 9% in related services, 5% in transport and logistics, and 4% in agricultural inputs and machinery.
The intricate journey of food from farm to table highlights the extensive employment generated. For instance, preparing a typical Sunday barbecue involves a complex chain of labor. This includes the manufacturing of machinery for sowing and harvesting grains, which then feed livestock.The raising of animals takes years, followed by transportation, processing, and marketing. Similarly, the components of a salad, such as fruits, vegetables, and regional products like peanuts or potatoes, require numerous individuals in cultivation, transportation, and commerce. Beyond these direct roles, administrative, accounting, and sanitary professionals are also integral to the process, underscoring the vast number of people involved in bringing food to consumers’ tables.
The Fada report emphasizes that agro-industrial chains are a source of employment for over 4 million individuals and are geographically dispersed throughout the country. This includes diverse regional economies, from wool and sheep production in Patagonia and wine production in Cuyo, to corn cultivation in the Pampas, sugarcane in the Northwest, and yerba mate in the Northeast.
Economists stress the critical need for stable, long-term public policies that foster growth and progress across all regions. Such policies are essential to enhance both the quantity and quality of employment, ultimately improving the quality of life for the population and strengthening the nation’s economic health.
Recent official data indicate that national private employment stands at 18.7 million, with public employment at 3.7 million, totaling 22.5 million jobs. A significant challenge in recent years has been the generation of formal employment, as much of the expansion has occured through less stable and lower-quality labor insertions.
