Ag Facts in Canada
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has released some great facts and videos about the importance of agriculture to Canada….
Why is the agriculture and agri-food sector so important? It’s a colossal contributor to the lives of all Canadians. It feeds us, as well as our economy. It employs us, and depends upon the environmental stewardship of our farmers. It is fueled by innovation and ingenuity. In short, it grows a lot more than you may think!
The agriculture and agri-food industry contributes $100 billion annually to Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP). (That’s more than the national GDP of 2/3 of the world’s countries).
No Wonder the Tomato Wears a Crown
Why agriculture is a big deal. What makes agriculture king? Canada is the 5th largest agricultural exporter in the world, and the agriculture and agri-food industry employs 2.1 million Canadians (that’s 1 in 8 jobs). We produce about 85% of the world’s maple syrup, and we’re the world’s largest producer and exporter of flax seed, canola, pulses and durum wheat.
This Kidney Bean is Counting the Ways Agriculture is Amazing
Agriculture’s hidden marvels. Think agriculture only produces things that you eat? Think again! Did you know the airbag in your car contains cornstarch? That diabetic test strips contain an enzyme found in horseradish? Or that some shampoo and skin care products contain oats? The list goes on! Agriculture also has a major impact on the economy. Canola – now the oil of choice for millions around the world – was developed by Canadian scientists and planted by Canadian farmers. Today, Canada contributes nearly 40% to global canola imports.
No Wonder our Beef Gets All Dressed Up
Agriculture’s meaty contributions. There are approximately 4 million beef cows in Canada. In addition, roughly 26 million pigs are raised in Canada each year, making us the world’s third-largest exporter of pork products.
Manufacturing Greatness
Manufacturing…the greatest thing since sliced bread
Our industry goes well beyond the field. When a Canadian product leaves the farm, its success story is just getting started.
Manufacturing is a critical part of the contribution made by agriculture to the modern economy. In today’s world, not too many people take home a sack of grain and mill it themselves; they rely on manufacturing to prepare products for home use. The food and beverage processing industry is one of the largest in Canada with shipments worth $92.9 billion. It accounts for 16% of total manufacturing shipments and for 2% of Canada’s gross domestic product. It’s the largest manufacturing employer and provides jobs to more than 290,000 Canadians.
Agriculture and agri-food grows the economy in a wide variety of ways, including over $90 billion generated manufacturing each year in related manufacturing.
Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIDiT4_K1VU&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PL421FBB414C610DB8 for videos on agricultural innovation in Canada.