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.
More from FSC
Project
Scale Learning Lab
The Scale Learning Lab was developed to address the hospitality sector’s ongoing talent shortages through an innovative, industry-led training model. By combining digital learning and hands-on training, the Learning Lab provides hospitality professionals with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving sector.
News
Future Skills Centre’s Impact Report: Building a Resilient Workforce in Canada
The Future Skills Centre (FSC) is thrilled to release our 2025 Impact Report: Building a Resilient Workforce, showcasing our six years of impact as a leader preparing Canada for the future of work.
Research
Learning from One Another: A Comparative Analysis of Labour Market Needs and Corresponding Skills in Northern Ontario, Yukon, and Nunavut
Labour markets in Northern Ontario, Yukon, and Nunavut are changing, but the pace and scale of that change are not well understood. This multi-year project provided a roadmap for governments, communities, and education and training providers to improve regional workforce readiness for existing and emerging opportunities.