With a large amount of agricultural land per inhabitant and a small percentage of the population in active farming, the United States has a large area of cultivated land per farm worker. This is an agriculture of "large areas" and "big mechanized farms."

As often in this case, this type of agriculture can be characterized as relatively extensive, with a low average production yield per hectare, but the production yield per worker is the highest in the world. The USA is also the leading exporter of agro-food products in the world.

The United States is a vast and diversified ensemble. Farms are of many different sizes, but the "family farm" is the dominant type.

Many families run farms as a part-time business. Many farmers hold university degrees.

American agriculture uses high technology, and applies rigorous management. American farming is very dependent on the international market. Smaller farms are often fragile and in debt, but they are supported by public authorities.

The export market is vital for American agriculture, which explains the harshness of the GATT debates..