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The next frontier in Canada’s agri-food sector: Technology-driven labour and skills transitions

Employment in Canada’s agri-food sector is significant, but technology will automate one-third of jobs in agriculture and one-fifth in food and beverage manufacturing over the next decade. Automation is critical for these industries to improve efficiencies in production and resource management and remain competitive. How will this transition be accomplished? Which skills will workers need to remain employed in these industries? And what does this all mean for low-skilled workers?

This report provides an overview of the technological trends and occupational employment changes in Canada’s agri-food sector, with an aim to:

inform agri-food stakeholders (e.g., primary producers, processors and distributors) and organizations involved in workforce development (e.g., educational institutions, training providers) about technological transformations;

highlight the emerging abilities, skills and knowledge-area requirements within the sector;

provide strategic recommendations on workforce development initiatives that can support sustainable growth and competitiveness in the global market.

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