Global agricultural productivity growth remains uneven

Courtesy of publicnewsservice.org
The adoption of new technology and improved management of farm resources is increasing average productivity or efficiency of input use, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

From 2002 to 2011, agriculture total factory productivity (TFP) grew at an average annual rate of 1.7 percent worldwide. 

Agriculture TFP is the difference between the aggregate total output of crop/livestock commodities and the combined use of land, labor, capital and material inputs employed in farm production.

Growth in agricultural TFP is necessary for achieving global food security goals and preserving natural resources.

While most developed countries continue to see moderate growth in agricultural TFP, the USDA said the United Kingdom and Australia are experiencing a slowdown in growth and many Sub-Saharan Africa countries continue to lag behind. 

For a more detailed look at global agriculture TFP, visit www.growingindiana.com.