Land Use and Production Practices Shape Unequal Labour Demand in Agriculture and Forestry

Agriculture and forestry remain vital sources of rural employment; yet both sectors face challenges of low labour productivity, demographic change, and structural inefficiencies. Modernisation improves productivity but often reduces labour demand, creating a policy dilemma between innovation and job preservation. Therefore, this study aims to quantify labour input across different land use types related to agriculture and forestry in Latvia. This study develops a multi-stage framework to quantify labour inputs across agricultural and forestry land uses in Latvia. The research results indicate that labour intensity decreases with farm size but varies more strongly by production type. Perennial plantations, vegetable and potato cultivation, and dairy and pig farming show the highest labour demands, whereas energy crops and grass-based systems require the least. In forestry, establishment and tending dominate labour needs, while mechanised harvesting reduces input requirements. These findings highlight the strategic role of labour-intensive, high-value activities in sustaining rural employment. Policy should prioritise targeted support for labour-intensive, high-value farming and forestry activities to maximise rural jobs and income growth.