Agricultural Labour Crisis

In the Fall 2023 issue of Intelligent Farmer, we confront a urgent challenge: Canada’s agricultural sector is aging, and time is running out. By 2033, 40% of farm operators will retire, creating a shortfall of 24,000 workers. With 66% of producers lacking a succession plan, the future of Canadian farmland hangs in the balance. This issue explores the crisis and proposes bold solutions to secure the next green revolution.

Click here to download the full Fall 2023 issue of Intelligent Farmer today

The Looming Labour Gap

• Demographic shift: The average age of Canadian farmers is 56, with 60% of operators over 65 by 2033.
• Succession failure: Two-thirds of farms have no succession plan, risking the loss of family legacies and productive land.
• Skills mismatch: The industry needs data analytics and climate-smart skills, but fewer young Canadians are entering agriculture.

A 3-Point Plan for Growth

1. Boost Immigration: Attract 30,000 skilled farm operators over the next decade, focusing on countries with displaced agricultural experts (e.g., Netherlands, New Zealand).
2. Revamp Education: Integrate agribusiness into MBA programs and promote cross-disciplinary farming curricula to attract urban students.
3. Embrace Automation: Invest in autonomous machinery and AI to reduce reliance on low-skilled labor and boost productivity.

Global Lessons for Canada

• Japan: Offers 5-year income support for young farmers and free advisory services for automation.
• New Zealand: Formed an industry-education alliance to attract new farmers through targeted programs.
• Netherlands: Despite buying out high-emission farms, they’ve created a labor pool of skilled migrant workers.

The Cost Crisis & Sustainable Future

• Input costs: Fertilizer prices surged 300% in 2022, squeezing small farms.
• Climate-smart incentives: Carbon offsets and government funding could mobilize $2-4 billion annually for sustainable practices.
• Soil as an asset: Rewarding farmers for preserving soil health could drive long-term profitability.

Don’t let Canada fall behind in the global agricultural race.

Download the full Fall 2023 issue of Intelligent Farmer today for deep insights into labour solutions, succession strategies, and sustainable innovation.

RBC Dominion Securities Inc. | Lorkovic DeKoning Wealth Management