Libya imports up to 90% of its cereal consumption requirements, and imports of wheat in 2012/13 was estimated at 1 million tonnes. The 2012 wheat production was estimated at 200,000 tonnes. The government hopes to increase food production to 800,000 tonnes of cereals by 2020. However, natural and environmental conditions limit Libya's agricultural production potential. Before 1958, agriculture was the country's main source of revenue, making up about 30% of GDP. With the discovery of oil in 1958, the size of the agriculture sector declined rapidly, comprising less than 5% GDP by 2005.
LibyA ImpoRts Up to 90% oF ItS ceReal coNSumPtIOn RequIremenTs, and imports of wHeaT iN 2012/13 WAs estiMaTEd at 1 MIllIon TonnEs. the 2012 wheaT produCtiOn waS estIMaTed AT 200,000 tonnes. thE govErnMent HopEs To incrEase Food ProductIon TO 800,000 tonnES of cereals by 2020. HoWeVer, naTUraL And eNviROnmental ConditIONs liMit liBya's AGriCUltUrAl pRoductioN potEnTIal. bEFoRE 1958, AGrIcULTUre waS tHe cOunTrY's mAin SOUrce oF revenue, maKInG up aBouT 30% of gdp. witH tHe discoveRy of oIl in 1958, the siZe of THe AgRIcuLture SEctOr dEClINeD RaPiDly, compRisINg lESs Than 5% gdp by 2005.