where is agriculture in canada

Most of Canada’s crop farming takes place in the Prairie provinces (Alberta

, Saskatchewan

and Manitoba). Alberta has the most beef cattle operations of any province. Saskatchewan produces the most durum wheat, canola and lentils.

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What is Canada Agriculture?

 · In Canada, agriculture is an important industry. Only about 7 per cent of Canada’s land can be farmed. Other marginal (poorer) land can be used to ranch cattle. Aquaculture operations are found on the East and West Coasts and in the Great Lakes. Some crops such as tomatoes, cannabis and flowers are grown in greenhouses in urban centres.

Which countries are Canada’s main markets for agricultural goods?

 · Canada is the largest destination for U.S. exports of high-value agricultural products, with a 25% market share in 2020 and a value of US$17 billion. Consumer-oriented agricultural products are foods typically sold directly in supermarkets and used in restaurants.

What is the most important farming region in Canada?

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada supports the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector through initiatives that promote innovation and competitiveness. COVID-19: Information for the agriculture and agri-food industry.

How many people work in the agriculture sector in Canada?

Agriculture Less than one-twelfth of Canada’s land area is suitable for crop production. About four-fifths of this cropland is in the Prairie Provinces, where long sunny days in summer and adequate precipitation combine to provide excellent grain yields.

Which province in Canada has the most agriculture?

Today, Saskatchewan is the largest crop-producing province in Canada, representing 46.8% of national field crop area in 2016. The province reported 11.8 million acres of wheat in 2016, more than double the area reported in 1911.

What is the main agriculture in Canada?

The crop grown with the largest acreage in Canada is wheat, followed by canola. Corn and wheat are widely grown across the country. Soybeans are found mostly in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba while canola is grown principally in Western Canada.

Is there agriculture in Canada?

In 2020, Canada exported nearly $74 billion in agriculture and food products (including raw agricultural materials, fish and seafood, and processed foods). Canada is the fifth-largest exporter of agri-food and seafood in the world, exporting to over 200 countries in 2020 2.

How much of Canada is agriculture?

7.3%Canada — despite its size — has by far the smallest proportion of total land that is agricultural at only 7.3% (Table 1), mainly because of soil quality and the nature of the Canadian climate and terrain. Of the eight, the United Kingdom has the largest, with 68.6% of its land under agricultural use.

Is agriculture big in Canada?

Canada is one of the largest agricultural producers and exporters in the world.

Where is the best farmland in Canada?

Saskatchewan is home to the greatest amount of farmland in Canada.

What provinces in Canada have agriculture?

Most of Canada’s crop farming takes place in the Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba). Alberta has the most beef cattle operations of any province. Saskatchewan produces the most durum wheat, canola and lentils. Manitoba has the most pig farms and is second in potato production.

Why is Saskatchewan good for farming?

They helped pioneer the no-till movement and today, Saskatchewan leads Canada in no-till acres. No-till, also called direct drilling, is a way to seed crops without disturbing the soil through tillage. It means healthier, richer top soil and ultimately, better crop yields.

Is agriculture in demand in Canada?

As the Canadian population and global populations expand, demand for Canadian agricultural products will likely increase.

What is the most fertile land in Canada?

About The Report: The Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH), an area that stretches from Niagara to Orillia to Peterborough, has some of the most fertile farmland in Canada. Only 21 per cent of the GGH is protected by the Greenbelt, leaving prime farmland outside the Greenbelt at risk of being paved over.

What is Canada the largest producer of?

Just off the podium The biggest crop that Canada produces is wheat; in 2017, Canadian farmers grew nearly one billion bushels of wheat.

Does Canada grow its own food?

Production of many crops, including wheat, barley, grain corn, field peas, flaxseed, and dry beans has experienced large growth from 1908 to 2008 (Chart 1.4). As well, many new crops, including canola, soybeans and fodder corn are now grown extensively in Canada.

What are the main crops in Canada?

Early in the 21st century, Canadian agronomists were aware of 48 “primary grain, vegetable and fruit crops”, based on surface area and value. In 2007, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture broke down into five primary “production sectors” Canadian agriculture according to cash receipts: 1 grains and oilseeds: 34% 2 red meats – livestock: 24% 3 dairy: 12% 4 horticulture: 9% 5 poultry and eggs: 8%

How many primary crops are there in Canada?

Early in the 21st century, Canadian agronomists were aware of 48 “primary grain, vegetable and fruit crops”, based on surface area and value. In 2007, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture broke down into five primary “production sectors” Canadian agriculture according to cash receipts:

What did Saskatchewan produce in 1925?

In 1925, Saskatchewan produced over half of the wheat in the Dominion of Canada, threshing in excess of 240,000,000 bushels (6,500,000 metric tons) of wheat. Rapeseed, alfalfa, barley, canola, flax, rye, and oats are other popularly grown grain crops.

What are the three prairie provinces in Alberta?

The open parkland area extends across the three prairie provinces: Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Canada’s production of wheat, oats, flaxseed, and barley come mainly from this area.

What is Alberta known for?

Alberta is renowned still for its stampedes, and cattle ranching is a main industry. The agricultural industry is supplemented by livestock and mixed farming and wheat crops. Alberta is the second largest producer of wheat in Canada. Grain and dairying also play a role in the livelihoods of Alberta farmers.

What was the first crop in the prairies?

Lord Selkirk, founder of the Red River Colony, harvested the first wheat crop in the western prairies in 1814. Red Fife wheat was introduced in 1868. Swine were brought to the Red River colony as early as 1819. The frontier land of southwest Alberta and southeast Saskatchewan were opened to ranching in the 19th century. Manitoba has a combination of mixed grain, livestock, and mixed farming industries in its southernmost areas. Cattle ranching around Lake Manitoba is also quite successful. Northern Manitoba consists of extensive lakes and forested geographical areas. The Dominion Land Act of 1872 offered agricultural pioneers an opportunity to “prove up” a quarter section of land (160 acres/65 hectares) in western Canada for a $10.00 filing fee and three years of improvements combined with residence on the land. Saskatchewan still has cattle ranching along its southwestern corner; grain farming and crops such as wheat, oats, flax, alfalfa, and rapeseed (especially canola) dominate the parkland area. Mixed grain farming, dairy farms, mixed livestock and grazing lands dot the central lowlands region of this prairie province.

Where are tobacco farms located in Canada?

The province is also home to nearly all tobacco farms in Canada, the majority being situated in the Ontario tobacco belt . In the 2011 Canadian Census there were 137 tobacco farms located in Ontario, three in Quebec, and one on Prince Edward Island. Grain Elevators.

The agri-food system

Canada’s food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment and supports our economy. In 2020, the whole agriculture and agri-food system:

Primary agriculture

Primary agriculture is defined as work that is performed within the boundaries of a farm, nursery or greenhouse. Canadian primary agriculture is an economic driver highly diversified across the country:

Food and beverage processing

Food and beverage processors transform raw food materials or substances into new products, which may be finished, so that they are ready to be used or consumed, or semi-finished, so that they become raw material to be used in further manufacturing.

International trade and domestic market

The success of the Canadian agriculture sector depends heavily on our ability to export to other countries and Canada is one of the world’s largest food exporters. In 2020, Canada exported nearly $74 billion in agriculture and food products (including raw agricultural materials, fish and seafood, and processed foods).

Sustainable economic growth

Canada has some key advantages that can help make us a leader in food production and processing:

Endnotes

The latest data on farm numbers are from 2016 and do not capture other and miscellaneous farms. All other data is from 2020.

What is the retail food market in Canada?

Canada’s retail food market is a significant channel for the import of U.S. consumer-oriented products. In 2020, Canada’s food and alcoholic beverage retail sales reached $109 billion – a record 10% increase from the previous year. Canada’s retail market is mature and largely consolidated, with five retailers comprising more than 75% of the total retail grocery market. The remainder of the market is represented by smaller regional retail chains that include 6,800 independents and 27,000 small and independent convenience stores.

How does Canada facilitate trade?

Trade with Canada is facilitated by geographic proximity, common culture, language, similar lifestyle pursuits, and the ease of travel for business and pleasure. Canada’s wide ethnic diversity and high level of consumer disposable income coupled with a growing interest in premium, high-quality products and global cuisine provide broad food marketing opportunities. Familiarity with and confidence in Canadian-based U.S. chains (hotels, restaurants, and fast food) have helped increase the demand for high-value U.S. foods.

How much did Canada’s food and beverage sales increase in 2020?

In 2020, Canada’s food and beverage retail sales surged by a record 10% from the previous year – reaching $109 billion, including alcohol sales of $20 billion – while COVID-19 response measures drove double-digit losses in food service. Following consumer stockpiling of essential and bulk commodities early in the pandemic, the number of meals prepared at home remained high throughout the year as food service outlets were reduced to take out or limited dining operations.

Is Canada dependent on the US?

Canada is heavily dependent on a wide range of consumer-oriented imports of U.S. agricultural products. The climate in Canada limits expansion of fruit and vegetable production, although greenhouse area cultivated has grown and has potential to expand into idle greenhouse facilities erected for cannabis demand that never materialized. Even as the Canadian food service sector continues to recover, total food service sales are expected to remain lower until a COVID-19 vaccine permits indoor dining to return to pre-COVID levels. Accordingly, the best opportunities for export growth of U.S. agricultural products are expected to be found in grocery stores/supermarkets. Though consumers focused retail grocery purchases on fewer SKUs during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, industry expects retailers to resume acquisition of new products as consumers acclimate to COVID-19 shopping conditions. Efforts to cultivate relationships with smaller, regional grocery outlets continue to hold promise for new-to-market exporters.

What is the largest export market for vegetables?

Canada is by far the largest export market for U.S. fresh vegetables, absorbing more than 70% of U.S. exports in this product category. Per capita, Canada has one of the highest consumption rates of fresh vegetables in the world. Canadians spend close to 22% more than their U.S. counterparts. Demand for U.S. vegetables is supported by the short Canadian domestic growing season in the country’s northern climate. Despite the difficult climatic conditions, local growers supply about half of the market demand through extensive greenhouse production of peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers. U.S. exports of fresh vegetables are nonetheless increasing despite a reduction in market share as Canadian demand remains strong. Sophisticated, modern logistics and wholesale dealer networks provide Canadian buyers with prompt delivery and relatively low spoilage.

Is Canada a producer?

Canada is a major producer and exporter of red meat, but also an important destination for U.S. exports of fresh/chilled/frozen/processed red meat products. In 2020, U.S. exports of beef to Canada totaled $695 million, or 63% of the import market, and U.S exports of pork to Canada were just over $800 million, or 85% of the import market. The North American red meat market is heavily integrated, with trade flowing both ways between Canada and the United States. Typically, Canada exports large numbers of live animals and significant amounts of meat to the United States and imports a wide variety of meat products.

Is Canada a red meat producer?

Canada is a major producer and exporter of red meat, but also an important destination for U.S. exports of fresh/chilled/frozen red meat . In 2018, U.S. exports of beef to Canada declined slightly to nearly $750 million, or 70% of the import market, and U.S exports of pork to Canada also declined slightly to $765 million, or 85% of the import market. The North American red meat market is heavily integrated, with trade flowing both ways between Canada and the United States. Typically, Canada exports large numbers of live animals and significant amounts of meat to the United States and imports a wide variety of meat products. The red meat sector in Canada has been relatively stable over the past several years, with small but steady increases in beef and pork production. Meat demand is gradually picking up, resulting in increased wholesale and retail prices that translate into improved export opportunities for the American red meat industry. In particular, beef demand in Canada continues to remain strong even as prices have increased in recent years indicating that Canadian consumer purchasing trends may be less strongly correlated to pricing in the current market.

Why is Canadian agriculture important?

Because our farmers and producers adhere to some of the world’s strictest environmental regulations, Canadian Agriculture provides an essential source of sustainable, nutritious food for families across our country and around the world.

How many Canadians work in agriculture?

1 in 8 Canadians work in the agriculture and agri-food sector, employing over 2 million Canadians on farms, in processing plants, boardrooms, laboratories and beyond (Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada)

What do Canadian farmers love?

Canadian farmers love and care for their animals. They believe in responsible animal care and follow nationally recognized codes of practice for the care and handling of their animals

Will the demand for Canadian agricultural products increase?

As the Canadian population and global populations expand, demand for Canadian agricultural products will likely increase.

Why are cattle important to the environment?

While grazing on grass, cattle are actually improving the health of the grasslands which are so important for wildlife habitats and maintaining bird migratory patterns.

Is agriculture a part of the Canadian economy?

Agriculture in Canada is an integral part of the Canadian community and economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of families across our nation.

Is Canada a sustainable producer?

Canadian agricultural producers are already some of the most sustainable producers in the world with innovations and best practices voluntarily in place on many farms. These include:

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What are the different types of farming in Canada?

The Prairies are known for grain (particularly wheat ), oilseeds (especially canola), and cattle grazing. Central and eastern Canada have a wider variety of crops and livestock, and farmers tend to specialize in either a particular cash crop or a livestock type. Southwestern Ontario produces large amounts of grain corn (maize), soybeans, and white beans. Both southern Ontario and southwestern British Columbia produce a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Dairying is important around all the major cities. Because of the challenging climate and soil conditions, many Canadian farmers have embraced genetically modified organisms, though their disfavour in Europe jeopardizes exportability.

Where are the highest yielding crops in Canada?

However, the widest range of crops and the highest yields occur in southwestern British Columbia and southern Ontario. farm in Saskatchewan. Harvesting wheat on a farm in the grain belt near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. A potash mine appears in the distant background. George Hunter.

What are the fisheries in Canada?

Canada has rich fishing grounds off both the Atlantic and the Pacific coasts. The parts of the continental shelf with the shallowest water are known as fishing banks; there plankton, on which fish feed, thrive because the sunlight penetrates to the seafloor. The most important of these fishing banks is the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. Bradelle Bank, Sable Bank, Georges Bank (shared with the United States), and a number of other fishing banks are found off the coasts of the Maritime Provinces. On the Pacific coast the continental shelf is very narrow, but numerous mountain streams are suitable for salmon spawning. In the rivers of the far north and in the Arctic Ocean there are abundant fish on which large numbers of the indigenous people depend for food. Overfishing and pollution depleted the fish resources in southern Canada significantly after the mid-20th century. Indeed, in 1992 the Canadian government imposed a moratorium on cod fishing—with disastrous effects for employment along the east coast. More international regulating agreements controlling catches have improved the situation somewhat. To offset the losses caused by smaller catches, fish prices rose sharply.

Which provinces are the leading producers of forest products?

British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec are the leading provinces in the production of forest products. Pulp and paper mill at Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Canada’s forest industry has to struggle constantly against the threats of fire, insects, and disease.

What are the major exports of Canada?

Canada is the world leader in the export of pulp and paper and also exports large amounts of softwood lumber, mostly to the United States. British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec are the leading provinces in the production …

Why are genetically modified organisms important to Canadian farmers?

Because of the challenging climate and soil conditions, many Canadian farmers have embraced genetically modified organisms, though their disfavour in Europe jeopardizes exportability.

What is the food that is grown in Ontario?

Southwestern Ontario produces large amounts of grain corn (maize), soybeans, and white beans. Both southern Ontario and southwestern British Columbia produce a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Dairying is important around all the major cities.

What is the main crop of Canada?

The nation’s main crops are wheat, barley, corn, potatoes, soybeans, rice, and sugar beets. The dominant crop is wheat. In 1998 Canada produced 24,076,300 tons of wheat. However, there is less wheat under cultivation in Canada than at any time in the 20th century.

What is the fastest growing segment of agriculture in Canada?

One of the fastest growing segments of Canadian agriculture is organic products (food grown naturally and without pesticides, and sold without preservatives or additives). The organic food industry has been growing at a rate of 20 percent per year. There are now about 1,500 registered organic food producers in Canada. Organic production is strongest in the western areas of the country. There are also a growing number of specialty farms. For instance, there are now 1,593 farms whose main output is Christmas trees. In addition, the number of bison raised on farms for buffalo meat has tripled since the early 1990s, and the total number of head are around 45,000. There are also a number of exotic species, including llama and elk, being raised for sale in specialty markets. For instance, elk and deer antlers are sold to Asian nations for use in food products and tea. Specialized crop products include various herbs and spices such as garlic, ginseng, and coriander, cut flowers such as roses or lilies, and tobacco.

What are the problems with fishing in Canada?

One of the major problems is that of animal waste and fertilizer runoff contaminating waterways.

How many organic farms are there in Canada?

There are now about 1,500 registered organic food producers in Canada. Organic production is strongest in the western areas of the country. There are also a growing number of specialty farms. For instance, there are now 1,593 farms whose main output is Christmas trees.

What are the main livestock products in Canada?

The primary livestock products are beef, chicken, duck, turkey, goose, and pork. Beef production is concentrated in the western areas of the nation while poultry production is concentrated in the east. About two-thirds of all poultry farms were in eastern Canada. Most livestock is consumed domestically.

Which province has the most farms?

Since 1991, British Columbia has increased its number of farms by 12.6 percent, Alberta by 3 percent, Nova Scotia by 1 percent, and Newfoundland by 0.8 percent. Ontario continues to have the largest overall number of farms—over 68,000—followed by Alberta with 58,000, and Saskatchewan with 56,000. The total number of farms in Canada is …

What was Canada’s export in 1999?

In 1999, the United States was the destination for one-third of Canada’s exports of crops, livestock, and fish. While the overall number of Canadian farms continues to decline, the decline has slowed in recent years and several provinces are in fact adding or gaining new farms.

Which country is the #1 exporter of oats?

Canada is the world’s #1 exporter of oats, accounting for more than 70% of the world trade in oats. Canada is the #1 producer and exporter of fresh and frozen blueberries, with exports valued at $238 million in 2018.

Which country is the largest exporter of lentils?

Canada is the world’s #1 producer and exporter of lentils and dry peas, with pulse exports to over 120 countries in 2018.

Which country is the #1 producer of flaxseed?

Canada is the world’s #1 producer and exporter of flaxseed, with exports to more than 50 countries in 2017. Canada is the world’s #1 producer and exporter of maple syrup, with around 80% of the global supply. Canada is the world’s #1 producer and exporter of lentils and dry peas, with pulse exports to over 120 countries in 2018.

Is farming a business in Canada?

Farming in Canada is serious business! Like other natural resource sectors, the farming sector contributes massively to the livelihoods of Canadians in several direct and indirect ways. For example, hundreds of thousands of farming jobs exist across the country; in turn, these workers supply the raw goods needed by the much larger Canadian food manufacturing and processing industries to create many of the agricultural products we see stocked on the shelves in our grocery stores.

Is Canada a producer?

Canada is the #1 producer and exporter of canola in the world. Canola exports add more than $26 billion to the Canadian economy each year. Canada is the world’s 2nd largest producer and exporter of mustard seed, and is home to 28% of the global supply.

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Overview

Canadais one of the largest agricultural producers and exporters in the world. As with other developed nations, the proportion of the population agriculture employed and agricultural GDP as a percentage of the national GDP fell dramatically over the 20th century, but it remains an important element of the Canadian economy. A wide range of agriculture is practised in Canada, from s…

Major agricultural products

Various factors affect the socio-economic characteristics of Canadian agriculture. The 2006 Census of Agriculture listed seven: Quantity and type of farms; Biogeography: crop and land use areas; land management practices; Quantity of livestock and poultry; Agricultural engineering: Farm machinery and equipment; Farm capital; Farm operating expenses and receipts; Farm-related …

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Agricultural economy

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Agricultural science

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Primary Agriculture

• Primary agriculture is defined as work that is performed within the boundaries of a farm, nursery or greenhouse. Canadian primary agriculture is an economic driver highly diversified across the country: 1. 193,492 farms 2. farms cover 68.9 million hectares or 6.9% of Canada’s land area 3. concentrated across the Prairies, Quebec and Southern Ontari…

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Agriculture in Canada: Did You Know…

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Jobs & Economy

1. 1 in 8 Canadians work in the agriculture and agri-food sector, employing over 2 millionCanadians on farms, in processing plants, boardrooms, laboratories and beyond (Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada)
2. Canada’s beef industry contributes $41 billion to our economy (GDP) annually and generates an estimated 228,800jobs in Canada (CanadaBeef.ca)

1. 1 in 8 Canadians work in the agriculture and agri-food sector, employing over 2 millionCanadians on farms, in processing plants, boardrooms, laboratories and beyond (Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada)
2. Canada’s beef industry contributes $41 billion to our economy (GDP) annually and generates an estimated 228,800jobs in Canada (CanadaBeef.ca)
3. Canada is the #1 producer and exporter of canola, which contributes more than $26 billionto the economy each year (Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada)
4. Canada is a top 5 wheat exporter, with an average of $7 billionexported annually (Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada)

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