The changing face of Canadian agriculture

From diversity to urban migration - Canada's farm population evolution 2021

By JP McDonald
Farms.com

Canada's farm community has seen profound changes over the years. In 2021, the farm population made up only 1.6% of the country's total, amounting for 590,710 people. This decline is significant when compared to the 1971 data, where 1 in 14 Canadians was part of the farm community.

While numbers have dwindled, the face of the farm community is anything but stagnant. It's evolving! The households have become smaller and more diverse. An interesting twist to the tale is the migration of a considerable segment of the farm population to urban spaces. A startling 24.5% of the farm community resided in urban areas in 2021, a jump from the mere 7.5% in 1971.

Diversity shines bright in the Canadian farming landscape, and immigrants play a pivotal role. Their contribution to the ethnocultural mix of the farm community is undeniable. In 2021, immigrants made up 6.9% of the farm population, showing a slight increase from the 6.8% recorded in 2001. This blend of backgrounds brings a variety of skills and perspectives, enriching the agricultural sector's potential.

Another change underlining the evolving demographics is age. The farm community is getting older. Over 4 in 10 farm community members were above the age of 55 in 2021. Comparatively, there's a smaller chunk of young folks below the age of 35 in the farm community than in the general population.

The spiritual aspect of life sees a larger representation in the farm community as well. A considerable 72.5% reported a religious affiliation in 2021, primarily identifying as Catholics.

An analysis of the financial health of the farm households paints a promising picture. Their median income has surpassed that of the general population in recent years. Moreover, there's a shift in income sources, reflecting the farm community's adaptability and resilience, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.