Productive performance of agriculture, livestock, and agro-industry in Piauí and their effects on the labor market

Abstract

The general objective in this paper is to analyze the productive performance of the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors in Piauí state (Brazil), identifying how increases in production volume and value impact labor market dynamics compared to Brazilian states with similar production profiles. Methodologically, this is a descriptive and analytical study based on comparative data analysis and longitudinal research. The results indicate growth in production volume and value, driven by soybean and corn crop, alongside a reduction in the workforce employed in the primary sector, stemming from a decline in family farming employment. Furthermore, the study finds that the Net Sales Revenue of Piauí’s agro-industrial complex is substantially lower than that of states with similar agricultural profiles, resulting in limited potential for job creation within this segment. It concludes that, despite production gains, employment in Piauí’s agricultural sector is declining due to job losses in family farming and the inability of corporate agriculture to offset these losses. Then, the agro-industrial sector presents a potential opportunity for job creation.

Keywords: agricultural establishment, occupations, Piauí State (Brazil), net sales revenue, value of production.