Will Digital tech transform Canadian agri-food sector

Automation reshapes Canadian agri-food jobs

The Canadian agri-food sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by automation and digital technologies.

A new study by The Conference Board of Canada reveals that up to one-third of jobs in agriculture and one-fifth in food and beverage manufacturing could be automated within the next decade. Key findings of the research include:

• Nearly one-third of jobs in the agriculture industry and one-fifth of jobs in the food and beverage manufacturing industry are at risk of automation within the next decade.
• The skills most in demand for the future agriculture workforce are product design, digital production, and digital literacy, while the food and beverage manufacturing industry will be looking for skills such as digital literacy, problem-solving, evaluation, systems analysis, and monitoring.
• Although information technology occupations account for a very small share of sectoral employment, those projected to grow the fastest over the next decade include data scientists and software engineers.
• In the food and beverage manufacturing industry, robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics hold the greatest potential to increase efficiency and consistency.

While this technological advancement promises increased efficiency and productivity, it also presents significant challenges for the workforce.

Routine tasks are increasingly being replaced by automated systems, necessitating a shift in skill requirements. Roles demanding data analysis, software engineers, and technological expertise are on the rise.

“Automation and digital technologies are revolutionizing Canada’s agri-food sector, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth and innovation,” said Alain Francq, Director, Innovation & Technology at The Conference Board of Canada. “However, this transformation also brings significant implications for the future of work in the industry.”

The report highlights a more gradual transition for agriculture compared to food and beverage manufacturing. Workers in agriculture may require minor upskilling to adapt to new roles, while those in food and beverage manufacturing face a more substantial skills gap.

“Canada must ensure that its agri-food workforce is well-equipped to navigate this period of transformation,” said Noel Baldwin, Executive Director at the Future Skills Centre. “This will require a strategic approach to workforce development that supports at-risk workers in reskilling to remain relevant in the sector and capitalize on emerging opportunities.”

To successfully navigate this transition, investing in education and training, as well as implementing comprehensive support programs for workers, will be crucial. By equipping the workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge, Canada can harness the potential of automation while mitigating its impact on employment.