Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Release Annual Overview Report
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
Things are looking good for Canadian agriculture - performing strong in the economy and high farm income levels are just a few of the things that were highlighted in the newest report released by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
"Farm performance overall continues to remain strong as the industry becomes more competitive, innovative, and profitable," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "The report shows that the agriculture and agri-food sector continues to be internationally focused, which is why our government continues to place such a strong emphasis on opening new and maintaining existing markets."
The report found that the food and beverage industry is one of the biggest manufacturing industries in the country. Additionally, the report indicates that the agriculture and agri-food system is directly providing one-in-eight jobs, employing 2.1 million people which accounts for 8 per cent of the GDP ($101.1 billion). Agriculture continues to be globally focused and Canada is the sixth-largest exporter and importer of agriculture and agri-food products in the world.
One of the notable shifts is in consumer and societal demands, with consumers looking for thinks like – more variety, convenience, more environmentally friendly/healthier food, and personal choice (organic and Halal products). Comparing our food and non-alcoholic beverages and tobacco costs relative to other parts of the world, the Canadian piece of the pie related to food, accounts for just under 10 per cent of household expenditures, which is relatively low.
While the report found that the number of family farmers continues to decline, they are also becoming larger. There are 205,730 farms in Canada with the average farm size at 779 acres.
The annual overview provides a snapshot of the agriculture and agri-food sector and illustrates the changes that have occurred over time while noting any major shifts or changes.
The full report can be read on the AAFC-AAC website at: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1331319696826&lang=eng