Canadian Agriculture at a Glance
The agriculture industry plays an important role in Canada’s economy, society and environment. This edition of Canadian Agriculture at a Glance looks at key findings and emerging trends in agriculture with succinct and accessible articles that provide useful information for Canadians and more specifically policy makers, industry associations, and farm operators.
The Census of Agriculture is the primary source of data for this publication; it not only provides a snapshot in time of the agriculture industry, but is also essential for understanding changes over time. In addition, other economic, environmental and social data sources are also used to derive a more comprehensive picture of the country’s agriculture sector.

Canada’s farms were more profitable in 2020 than in 2015
by Zong Jia Chen and Justin Clark
Information on farm operating revenues and expenses help paint a portrait of Canada's agricultural businesses. This article sheds light on farm profitability (by revenue class, operating arrangement, total farm area and farm type) and some potential driving forces behind the profitability trends observed.
Canada’s farms are adjusting the ways they sell their products to consumers
Canada's farmers have been adjusting the way they sell their goods to the public to adapt to evolving consumer needs under the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Female farm operator numbers increase for the first time in 30 years
by Susana Aclan and Zong Jia Chen
Female farm operators play a pivotal role in Canadian agriculture. Their tireless work ethic, leadership skills and organizational expertise are shaping the landscape of the agriculture industry across Canada. This article identifies where the net increase in female farm operators is coming from. It then looks at how female farm operator numbers are reflected in the face of the modernization and adaptation of the agriculture industry.
Comparing Canada’s agriculture with other developed nations: Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States
This article sheds light on the competitiveness of Canada’s agriculture in the global market by drawing cross-country comparisons of selected agricultural commodities.
Vegetable and melon farms make up the biggest share of farms in Newfoundland and Labrador
by Michelle St. Pierre and Mike McComb
This article presents the highlights and a brief analysis of the results from the 2021 Census of Agriculture for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Prince Edward Island leads the way in potato production
This article presents the highlights and a brief analysis of the results from the 2021 Census of Agriculture for the province of Prince Edward Island.
Lowbush blueberries, apples, mink and poultry play a large role in Nova Scotia farming
This article presents the highlights and a brief analysis of the results from the 2021 Census of Agriculture for the province of Nova Scotia.
New Brunswick leads Atlantic Canada in maple taps and lowbush blueberries
This article presents the highlights and a brief analysis of the results from the 2021 Census of Agriculture for the province of New Brunswick.
Quebec continues to be the main force behind maple, blueberries, cranberries, dairy cows and pigs
This article presents the highlights and a brief analysis of the results from the 2021 Census of Agriculture for the province of Quebec.
Ontario is an agricultural powerhouse that leads in many farming categories
This article presents the highlights and a brief analysis of the results from the 2021 Census of Agriculture for the province of Ontario.
Manitoba has the highest proportion of young farm operators
by Michelle St. Pierre and Mike McComb
This article presents the highlights and a brief analysis of the results from the 2021 Census of Agriculture for the province of Manitoba.
Saskatchewan continues to live up to the title of breadbasket of Canada
by Michelle St. Pierre and Saneliso Mhlanga
This article presents the highlights and a brief analysis of the results from the 2021 Census of Agriculture for the province of Saskatchewan.
Alberta has the highest farm operating revenues in Canada
by Michelle St. Pierre and Mike McComb
This article presents the highlights and a brief analysis of the results from the 2021 Census of Agriculture for the province of Alberta.
Mushroom, greenhouse and highbush blueberry farming play pivotal role in British Columbia
This article presents the highlights and a brief analysis of the results from the 2021 Census of Agriculture for the province of British Columbia.
Small-scale diversified farming prominent in Yukon and the Northwest Territories
by Michelle St. Pierre, Mike McComb and Saneliso Mhlanga
This article presents the highlights and a brief analysis of the results from the 2021 Census of Agriculture for the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
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