Agriculture in Barrayar

Agriculture in the Empire of Barrayar is a major industry, allowing the Imperium to be a net exporter of food in the Nexus. Agricultural activity occurs on Barrayar and on Sergyar; on Barrayar, it is particularly concentrated in the Northern Plains districts, a vast expanse of flat, arable land in the center of the Northern Continent and in the region around the Great Lakes in the Southern Continent. The mechanization of farming, intensive farming, has been a major theme in modern Barrayaran history. Modern Barrayaran agriculture ranges from the common hobby farms, small-scale producers to large commercial farming covering thousands of acres of cropland or rangeland. In particular, large farming is both privately-owned and subject to collective ownership.
Komarr on the other hand is a significant producer of hydroponic agriculture, although the Komarran production amounts to the 55% of the Komarran consumption.

Governance

Agriculture in the Empire of Barrayar is primarily governed by periodically renewed farm bills. Governance is both a Imperial and a local (District or Viceregal) responsibility with the Ministry of Agriculture being the Imperial department responsible. Governmental aid includes research into crop types and regional suitability as well as many kinds of subsidies, some price supports and loan programs.
Labor laws prohibiting children in other workplaces provide some exemptions for children working on farms with complete exemptions for children working on their family's farm. Children can also gain permits from vocational training schools which allow them to do jobs they would otherwise not be permitted to do.