Government of Canada – An Overview of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food System 2016

This 2016 report provides an economic overview of the Canadian agriculture and agri-food system using the most recent data available.

The recently released report An Overview of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food System 2016 describes the Canadian agriculture and agri-food system as "a complex, integrated and competitive supply chain with great importance to the Canadian economy. It is a dynamic and resilient system that constantly tries to adapt to changing consumer demands, technological advances and globalization."

It is meant to be a multi-purpose reference that presents "a snapshot of the composition and performance of the agriculture and agri-food system as it evolves in response to challenges, opportunities and market developments".

Highlights of the report (full version attached)

- In 2014, Canadians spent $195.7 billion on food, beverages and tobacco products. This represented the second-largest household expenditure category, after shelter.

- Real spending on food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 2.2% in 2014, due in part to a slight increase in retail food price inflation in Canada.

- The agriculture and agri-food system generated $108.1 billion, accounting for 6.6% of Canada's 2014 GDP.

- In 2014, the agriculture and agri-food system provided one in eight jobs in Canada, employing over 2.3 million people.

- Expressed in dollar terms, government expenditures (federal and provincial) in support of the AAFS were estimated to be $5.3 billion in 2015-2016. As a share of the agriculture GDP, government expenditures are estimated to be 26.0% in 2015-2016. That figure was 25.9% in fiscal year 2014-2015.

- Canada was the world's fifth-largest exporter of agriculture and agri-food products after the European Union, the United States, Brazil and China in 2014.

- Canadian export sales grew by 12.0% over 2013 levels to $51.5 billion in 2014, increasing Canada's share of the total value of world agriculture and agri-food exports to 3.6%.

For more information, visit the Government of Canada website

An Overview of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food System 2016 May 9, 2016 - This 2016 report provides an economic overview of the Canadian agriculture and agri-food system using the most recent data available.

Public consultation on the next agricultural policy framework

Furthermore, the federal, provincial and territorial governments are currently working together to develop the next agricultural policy framework to launch April 1, 2018 (Growing Forward 2). They are currently asking the public to help them shape the direction of future policy and programs for the agriculture and agri-food sector. Formulate your comments to the Government of Canada.

Download the full version of the report :