The importance of diversity in Canadian agriculture

Canada's farming landscape has seen a significant shift over the years, and the 2021 statistics show this continues.  Statistics Canada's Agriculture-Population Linkage data reveals several trends shaping Canadian agriculture. 

The number of people involved in farming – the farm population – has decreased over time. Back in 1971, if you picked 14 Canadians, one would likely be a farmer. But in 2021, you’d need to pick 61 Canadians to find one farmer. This shows a huge drop in the farm population, from a group that once made up a significant part of the Canadian population.

If you picture a typical Canadian farm household, you might imagine a large family living together. However, farm households have become smaller, much like other households across the country. These families are more diverse than before. This means that we see more cultures and backgrounds represented among Canadian farmers, including immigrants and Indigenous communities.

Though the percentages might seem small, with immigrants making up 6.9% and Indigenous people 2.8% of the farm population, they play a vital role in bringing new perspectives and techniques to farming.

What's even more interesting? While farming might sound like a rural activity, an increasing number of farm households now live in cities. Nearly one-quarter of Canada’s farm population lived in urban areas in 2021. Farms that grow fruits, nuts, and vegetables tend to be closer to cities. This makes it easier for them to sell their produce directly to customers.

Another observation is the age and gender distribution in farming. Most of the farm population is older, with many above the age of 55. Also, there are slightly more men than women in farming.

While most of the Canadian population might not be too religious, the farm population is different. Many farmers identify with a religion, with Catholicism being the most common.

Lastly, farming is not the only income source for these households. Many farm families have other jobs or businesses, showing how versatile and adaptable they are.