Characteristics of Seasonal and Public Employment Relationships Linked to Agriculture

Agriculture is a very important part of economy with special characteristics.1 Its importance is given by its produced and negotiable goods and products. It is the source of food and food ingredients and other raw materials. These products may be vegetable or animal in origin. These products have a significant market in the economy. According to the latest data of HCSO (Hungarian Central Statistical Office), agriculture contributed to the GDP with 3.8% in 2016. The agriculture had a part of 4.5% in GAV (Gross Added Value), 5.5% in investments and 5% in the employment.2 I would like to highlight data relating to employment. The rate of 5% is not high, but significant. The number of persons getting a job in agriculture has grown over the last years. But this growth is sufficient only for stagnation. On the other hand, one of the reasons of the growth is the effect of public employment, what needs a more detailed research. The stagnation is a momentary state which cannot stop the decrease characterising this sector. The decrease of labour force has three fundamental reasons. The first reason is the transformation of agriculture. The second reason is the migration of skilled labour force. We can mark the implementation of public employment as the third reason. The effect of these three reasons results in that fewer people work in agriculture professionally. One key element of the change of agriculture is its relationship with society. Tillage was the main element in the life of communities in the earlier eras. The family, social and power relationships connected to the use of the land.3