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
Research
The Skills Mirror: An Analysis of Trends, Tensions, and Opportunities of Proposed Projects to FSC
In late 2024, the Future Skills Centre received nearly 900 proposals across multiple funding calls. These proposals offer a unique, system-wide view into Canada’s skills development ecosystem. In partnership with the Behavioural Insights Team, this project analyzed the proposal database to surface shared priorities, emerging challenges, and common approaches to labour market innovation.
News Release
Future Skills Centre replicating skills training programs that work across Canada
As Canada faces critical labour shortages in key industries, the Future Skills Centre (FSC) is announcing a $5.5 million investment to build a strong, resilient workforce that can drive Canada’s productivity and long-term economic prosperity. Through the Replicate initiative, funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program, FSC is widening access to proven training solutions to help more Canadians, particularly youth and those facing barriers to employment, find stable jobs and navigate a changing economy.
Blog
Why Replication Matters: Expanding What Works Across Canada
Canada has no shortage of innovation in skills training; it has a shortage of adoption. Promising skills interventions often remain confined to a single organization, creating a landscape of siloed programs competing for the same resources. Replication offers another option.