ECONOMIC COMPARISON OF AGRICULTURAL LABOUR IN THE BALTIC COUNTRIES

Abstract

The article analyzes changes in the volume of labour input in agriculture in the Baltic countries in 2020–2025, analyzing work in general and distinguishing between hired and unhired forms of work. The theoretical part presents the concept of work and the concept of decent work, emphasizing its relevance to the agricultural sector. It also highlights the main factors determining the specificity of agricultural work, such as seasonality, diversity of forms of employment, uncertainty, difficult working conditions, and limited attractiveness of the sector. The empirical part of the article applies secondary statistical data analysis based on Eurostat agricultural labor cost indicators expressed in annual work units. The results of the study showed that between 2020 and 2025, the total labour input in agriculture declined in all Baltic countries, but the rates of decline varied. The volume of self-employed work declined most rapidly, while the decline in salaried work was slower. The results revealed a transformation in the structure of work and an increasing focus on capital and technology-based production in the sector.