Canada set to experience shortage of farmers, RBC report says
![farmer shortage 1 Over the next 10 years, 40 per cent of Canada's farm operators are set to retire, leading to one of the biggest labour and leadership transitions in Canadian history, according to an RBC report.](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2023/4/11/farmer-shortage-1-1-6351476-1681253951331.jpeg)
The Canadian agriculture industry is headed for a shortfall of operators and labourers, and those left are getting older, according to a report published by RBC.
In 2001, Canada had 346,000 farmers with an average age of 50.
In 2021, the number of farmers dropped to 262,000 while their average age rose to 56.
"A rapidly approaching demographic crisis is going to make the problem even worse. In 10 years alone, 60 per cent of today's farm operators are going to be over the age of 65," said Mohamed Yaghi, author of the report and RBC lead for agriculture and climate policy.
Over the next 10 years, 40 per cent of Canada's farm operators are set to retire, leading to one of the biggest labour and leadership transitions in Canadian history, according to the report.
The numbers are worrying, but not that shocking for experts.
"We aren't surprised by the results of the report, and it is somewhat concerning from the aspect that we know, much like the rest of society, we have an aging population in the farming industry and we're going to be losing maybe up to 40 per cent of that work force in the next number of years," said Keith Currie, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.
Some in the agriculture industry aren't too concerned about the projected operator shortfall.
Stephen Vandervalk, who grows malt barley among other crops near Fort Macleod, says the high demand for land will ensure all of Canada's farmlands will always be farmed.
But he recognizes there is a skilled labourer shortage and that may have an impact.
"There is definitely a shortage of skilled farm labour, there's no doubt about that. But as far as operating farms and farmers being there to manage the land, that's never going to be an issue," Vandervalk said.
Currie believes the operators and skilled labourer shortage could lead to a decline in farm production.
This could lead to Canada needing to increase food imports.
"We have concerns potentially around some of our high value fresh products in particular, fruits and vegetables, may see a decline in production," Currie said.
The RBC report makes a number of recommendations to increase the farming workforce.
Suggested steps include increasing immigration of farm operators to Canada, promoting agriculture at colleges and universities as well as increasing automation could offset the forecasted operator shortage.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.5309015.1683576191!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
One person in hospital after falling from swing ride at Canada's Wonderland
One person has been hospitalized after falling from a swing ride at Canada's Wonderland.
Biden forcefully declares he's staying in re-election race in major news conference
U.S. President Joe Biden used his highly anticipated news conference Thursday to deliver a forceful defence of his foreign and domestic policies, and batted away questions about his ability to serve another four years even as he flubbed a reference to Donald Trump in one of his first answers.
'A terrible tragedy': 4 dead in another multiple-fatality B.C. crash
A crash in Keremeos, B.C., Wednesday morning is the latest in a string of fatal collisions, this time claiming the lives of four people, Mounties say.
Trudeau says he still has 'full confidence' in Freeland, but has been talking to Carney
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he continues to have 'full confidence' in Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, but he's also been talking to Mark Carney about entering federal politics.
'An avoidable tragedy': Calgary woman charged after dog dies in hot car
A Calgary woman is facing charges for the death of her dog, which died after being left in a hot car on Canada Day.
Oilers star engaged to marry girlfriend after proposal in Spain
Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl is engaged to be married. The 28-year-old centre proposed to his girlfriend, actor Celeste Desjardins, who said yes. Both posted about the engagement Thursday to their Instagram accounts.
Benji Gregory, former child star on the '80s sitcom 'ALF,' dies at 46
Former child actor Benji Gregory, who played the young boy on the 1980s television sitcom 'ALF,' has died in suburban Phoenix. He was 46.
At least 200 crocodiles crawl into cities as heavy rains hit northern Mexico, near Texas
Heavy rains associated with Hurricane Beryl and the earlier Tropical Storm Alberto have led at least 200 crocodiles to enter urban areas in the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas, across from Texas, state and federal authorities said this week.
Black bear 'wreaked havoc' on car after being locked inside, RCMP say
A black bear accidentally got locked in a car in Coquitlam Thursday, destroying the interior before being freed by police.