Because stability in career choice for agricultural occupations is desirable, vocational guidance and orientations which make children and adolescents theoretically and practically familiar with agricultural production must be increased and improved. Data from East Germany indicate that the influence of parents and friends is of major importance for over 50% of young people in choosing a career, with parents' influence (about 34%) the decisive variable. Career choices of over 40% of young people are influenced by social institutions such as agricultural enterprises, centres of vocational guidance, and other state institutions. Children of co-operative farmers are more inclined to choose a career and see social prospects in agriculture than children with a different background. It is important to concentrate advertising in favour of agricultural occupations on rural children and youth. Persuasion, particularly for crop farming jobs, must start earlier and be more intensive. It is necessary to lead adolescents earlier to their careers and to give them relevant and comprehensive information. The majority of young people in agriculture have a positive attitude toward the working conditions, and almost 85% of them are satisfied with their occupation. There is also great satisfaction about management work and possible further training and career development. (CM)