U.S.A:
An extensive agriculture with high yields

The United States of America is characterized by a large cultivated area per inhabitant, a small percentage of the population engaged in agriculture, and a large agricultural area per active farmer This type of agriculture is highly mechanized on large fields and often on big farms. As is often true in such a case, this agriculture is extensive with low production yield per hectare, but the yield per farm worker is one of the highest over the world. The U.S.A. is also one of the top exporting countries in the world for food products.

The U.S.A. is a vast and diversified country. The sizes of farms are quite varied, but the most common type is the family farm.

A great number of people work part time on a farm. Many farmers have a University degree.

American agriculture uses high technology and rigorous management, and is highly dependent on the international market.
Small farms are fragile and in debt, but agriculture gets strong public support.

The external market is vital for American agriculture, which explains the harshness of the debates about the GATT