agricultores

Agricultores are individuals primarily engaged in agricultural activities, producing crops and raising livestock for subsistence, local markets, or export. They may own land, lease it, or work as tenants or laborers; many operate within family farms or cooperatives. The term covers a broad spectrum of scales and practices, from smallholder plots to medium- or large-scale commercial operations.

The word derives from Latin agricola, from agri- “field” and colere “to cultivate,” and in Portuguese and Spanish corresponds to the farmer or farmer community.

Historically, agricultores have formed the backbone of agrarian economies. In feudal Europe they tilled manorial lands; in other regions they supported colonial and post-colonial production systems. Industrialization and urbanization shifted some labor toward cities, but smallholder farming remains essential in many countries, often supported by cooperatives, extension services, and public programs.

In contemporary contexts, agricultores face challenges such as land access constraints, aging populations, credit gaps, price volatility, and climate risks. They increasingly adopt technology—including improved seeds, irrigation, and data-driven practices—and pursue sustainable farming, diversification, and access to value chains. Gender roles and youth participation vary, though women and young people contribute significantly in many farming communities.

Socially and economically, agricultores influence food security, rural livelihoods, and cultural heritage. Public policies—land reform, subsidies, extension services, credit access, and infrastructure—shape their viability, while international development efforts frequently target smallholders to improve productivity, resilience, and fair market access.