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 $23.54 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 365,000 (more than 14% of Queensland’s workforce), with a corresponding supply chain output value of around $27 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..

We’re committed to providing accessible content for the widest possible audience and are working to improve our offering. If you’d like more information about any of the graphics on this page, please contact us on 13 25 23.

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.