Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada released on May 9 the Overview of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food System, an annual report that provides historical data on the state of the sector. The report indicates that the Canadian agriculture and agri-food system is an integrated and competitive supply chain that continues to help drive the economy.
This year’s report, which provides data up to 2014, begins with a special feature on natural resources and the environment. It examines the impact of agriculture on the environment and quantifies greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by Canada’s various economic sectors, including agriculture. It also addresses Canada’s agricultural use of land and water resources.
“Canadian farmers can look forward to a promising future. Through its continued support and investment in research and innovation, the Government of Canada is working to ensure our agriculture and agri-food sector remains strong, while adapting to changing consumer demands, advances in technology and increasing globalization,” said Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
The Canadian agriculture and agri-food system is a complex and integrated supply chain that includes input and service suppliers, primary producers, food and beverage processors, food retailers and wholesalers and foodservice providers.
The Overview of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food System is an annual report that provides historical data up to 2014, the most recent year for which complete data is available. The reportis a multi-purpose reference document that presents the agriculture and agri-food system in the context of the Canadian economy and international markets. It provides a snapshot of the composition and performance of the agriculture and agri-food system as it evolves in response to challenges, opportunities and market developments.
In addition to the 2016 Overview, we are also releasing the 2015 Farm Income, Financial Conditions and Government Assistance Data Book and the Medium Term Outlook Tables, which are a technical annex to the 2016 Canadian Agricultural Outlook.
Together, these reports provide a comprehensive historical profile of the sector, as well as a financial and market outlook for producers, industry and stakeholders, and governments as they plan for the years ahead.
Report highlights include:
– The agriculture and agri-food system generated $108.1 billion, accounting for 6.6% of Canada’s 2014 GDP.
– In 2014, the agriculture and agri-food system provided one in eight jobs in Canada, employing over 2.3 million people.
– Canadian export sales grew by 12.0% over 2013 levels to $51.5 billion in 2014, increasing Canada’s share of the total value of world agriculture and agri-food exports to 3.6%. Canada remained the world’s fifth-largest exporter of agriculture and agri-food products.
– The food and beverage processing industry continued to grow, and the value of its shipments almost doubled between 1995 and 2014 to $103.4 billion.
– In 2013, agriculture was responsible for about 10% of national GHG emissions. Canada’s agricultural GHG emissions remained relatively stable between 1990 and 2013.
