Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
An Overview of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food System 2014, a report released today by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), shows the strength of the agriculture and agri-food sector's contribution to Canada's economy.
Using historical data up to 2012, the Overview shows that the farm and food sector displayed robust performance in 2012, enjoying high farm income levels, strong market receipts, stable profit margins, and increased export sales.
Quick Facts
Report Highlights
- Canadian export sales grew by 8.1% in 2012. With export sales of $43.6 billion, Canada is the world's fifth-largest exporter, accounting for 3.5% of the total value of world agriculture and agri-food exports.
- Federal and provincial government expenditures in research and development in the agriculture and agri-food sector are estimated to rise to $602 million in 2012-13.
- While the United States remains Canada's most important agriculture and agri-food export destination, Canadian exports to China increased by 84.2% in 2012 to $5.0 billion.
- In 2012, the agriculture and agri-food sector generated $103.5 billion, accounting for 6.7% of Canada's total Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
- In 2012, the agriculture and agri-food sector provided one in eight jobs in Canada, employing over 2.1 million people.
Source: AAFC