The Canadian agricultural sector continues to show economic growth, contributing to Canada’s strong economic performance as described in the Fall Economic Statement 2017. The agriculture and agri-food sector provides one in eight jobs and accounts for more than six percent of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada today released An Overview of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food System, an annual report that provides a summary of the economic performance of the sector, including key changes in the Canadian agricultural landscape.
The report concludes that in 2016 the sector maintained its position as a key driver of the Canadian economy, generating $111.9 billion of GDP, employing 2.3 million people and achieving values of $62.6 billion for agriculture, agri-food and seafood exports. The sector is well positioned to reach the ambitious goal set in Budget 2017 to grow Canada’s agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025.
To mark Canada’s 150th anniversary, the report includes a special feature on Trends in Canadian Agriculture. The report also includes a special feature on Bioproduct Production and Development in Canada, which is a growing part of the country’s bioeconomy.
Report Highlights
- Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector consists of input suppliers, primary producers (farmers), food and beverage processors, food retailers and wholesalers, and foodservice providers.
- In 2016, the agriculture and agri-food sector generated $111.9 billion of GDP and accounted for 6.7% of Canada’s total GDP.
- In 2016, the agriculture and agri-food sector employed 2.3 million people, representing 12.5% of Canadian employment.
- The value of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports reached $56 billionin 2016, and with the addition of seafood exports, $62.6 billion. Farm market receipts remained at a record high of $57.6 billion in 2016.
- The food and beverage processing industry is the largest manufacturing industry in Canada, accounting for the largest share (16.4%) of the total manufacturing sector’s GDP in 2016. It also accounted for the largest share (17.3%) of jobs in the manufacturing sector during the same year.
