(Toronto) More than 40% of farm operators will retire in the next decade, causing a shortage in Canada, according to a new report.
The document prepared by the Royal Bank of Canada, the Boston Consulting Group Center for Canada’s Future and the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph indicates that the country will be short of 24,000 farmers, nurseries and greenhouses.
In addition, 66% of producers would not have a succession plan in place.
To address the shortage and lack of succession plans, the report says Canada will need to accept 30,000 permanent immigrants by 2033 to take over existing farms and greenhouses or establish their own.
It also recommends the country strengthen agricultural education and increase spending on automation, which can make existing farms more efficient.
The report says the shortage will come at a critical time, as Canada’s agriculture sector will need to produce significantly more food for a growing world population, but will also need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet climate goals.
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