Overview of the primary industry sector

Queensland’s primary industries (agriculture, fisheries, forestry and food) are central to our economy, regions and communities.

The total value of our primary-industry commodities is forecast to be $20.66 billion in 2021–22.

Exports: Queensland’s primary industries export to nearly 200 destinations worldwide.The sector accounts for more than 13% of Queensland’s overseas exports, by value.

Employment: The industries directly and indirectly employ more than 348,000 (more than 13% of our workforce), with a corresponding supply chain output value of around $25 billion.

Regions: Agriculture is particularly important in our regions. It provides more than 10% of employment in the Darling Downs-Maranoa, Outback Queensland and Wide Bay areas.

Global contribution: Queensland’s population is less than 0.1% of the world’s population and produces 0.4% of the world’s food supply and nearly 1% of the world’s agricultural exports, from 1% of the world’s total land area.

Explore the Queensland Agri-food employment and business insights dashboard below to:

• see employment and business statistics related to Queensland’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry supply chain
• *understand how farm gate employment and businesses support other sectors of the Queensland economy..

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More  information

• Download all sector overview data
• Find out more about Queensland government's strategy to grow the agribusiness and food industry sector.
• Explore Queensland agriculture spatial and economic data with AgTrends Spatial.
• Visit the State of the Environment site to find out more about the extent and condition of Queensland’s environmental assets.