Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Careers in Agriculture Are NOT Attractive to most consumers. Will this hurt our ability to hire non farm employees?

Careers In Agriculture Are Rewarding, Says FCC

Recent FCC survey results about potential careers in agriculture paint a challenging picture of the industry.

Canadian consumers who took the survey chose “weather-dependent,” “struggling,” “under-recognized,” “underpaid” and “essential” when asked to choose the top five words from a list associated with the agriculture industry. Producers surveyed chose nearly identical words.

“It’s obvious that both farmers and consumers recognize that there are challenges associated with agriculture,” says FCC President and CEO Greg Stewart. “It’s surprising that the words chosen did not focus on opportunities. There are so many success stories in agriculture and related industries that counter this perception.”

At the same time, a national FCC Vision Panel survey showed that optimism among producers remains high. Results show that 80% of producers would recommend a career in agriculture to a family member or friend. On the other hand, only 21% of consumers would consider a career in agriculture, and 27% would encourage someone else to pursue it. Although farmers recognize the challenges inherent in the industry, they still would encourage others to get involved in it.

From growing crops to processing and exporting, agriculture includes areas such as food, technology, health, energy and the environment, and employs one in eight Canadians.

“Agriculture matters. It’s a major Canadian industry and a noble career option,” says Stewart. “It’s amazing to know you’re part of something big. Right here in Canada, producers positively affect people on the other side of the world. We hear that from customers every day. We need to share this information with consumers and young people who are making important career choices.”

FCC is deeply committed to the success of Canadian agriculture and is working to educate the public about its potential and possibilities.

Source: Farm Credit Canada

Click Here to Review the Project Research Data

Views: 259

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joe Dales on September 22, 2011 at 9:41am

Check out the data slides on the link.

I am very concerned about Agriculture's ability to attract smart employees in the future when there are so few farm kids left.

Does anyone else have an opinion.

Joe Dales

Permalink Reply by Carolyn Lee on September 23, 2011 at 3:20am

I agree, I think it is very interesting how there is a high unemployment rate, especially in the US, and yet some companies/farms are having a hard time finding employees. It just means that there are not enough people taking agriculture programs in college and university. We need to find a way to encourage young people to consider all of these diverse opportunities!

Carolyn Lee

Permalink Reply by Kevin Stewart on September 24, 2011 at 5:38am

Here is video on this topic we covered a few years ago.

 

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Ag in Gotham City

Some Batman connections to agriculture for Batman Day

Four Saskatchewan Growers Acclaimed to SaskOilseeds Board

SaskOilseeds has verified four eligible nominations for four available positions on its Board of Directors following the close of the 2026 call for nominations. With the number of eligible nominees equal to the number of available positions, all four nominees have been acclaimed and will renew or begin their terms following the SaskOilseeds Annual General Meeting in January 2027. The strong interest shown by Saskatchewan oilseed growers reflects the commitment of producer leaders to advancing research, advocacy, and market development on behalf of the province’s canola and flax sectors. SaskOilseeds extends its appreciation to all growers who participated in the nomination process and to those who put their names forward for consideration. Congratulations to the following individuals who have been acclaimed and will join or continue on the SaskOilseeds Board of Directors: Additional biographical information about each acclaimed director will be shared soon. SaskOilseeds is governed

Trade with the U.S.

Importance of the U.S. market The U.S. remains one of canola’s most important and long-standing markets, valued at $5.7 billion in 2025. Developments in the Canada–U.S. trade relationship are therefore a key concern for Saskatchewan canola farmers. While tariff uncertainty continues to affect markets, canola seed, oil and meal remain eligible for tariff-free trade with the U.S. under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). SaskOilseeds continues to work with national industry partners to advocate for the agreement, preserve tariff-free market access and support mutually beneficial trade. Free and open trade benefits both countries The North American canola industry is highly integrated, creating value across the supply chain on both sides of the border. The U.S. is Canada’s leading canola market and the largest export destination for Canadian canola oil and meal. In the U.S., Canadian canola industry contributes $11.2 billion USD in economic activity and supports 22,000

Keeping Canada Competitive: Why Gate Matters

Canada’s cereals sector leads Canadian agricultural exports, exporting wheat, barley, oats, and durum to more than 80 countries around the world. These exports contribute approximately $12.8 billion annually to the Canadian economy. This success did not happen by chance. It reflects decades of investment, innovation, and collaboration across the value chain. From plant breeders and life science companies to farmers, grain handlers, and exporters, thousands of Canadians work every day to develop, produce, and deliver high-quality grain that meets the evolving needs of global customers. Canada is a global leader today but maintaining that position will require continued commitment and investment. Sustaining Growth in a Competitive Global Market The cereals sector has been a significant driver of economic growth, achieving an average annual growth rate of 3.6% over the past decade. If that trend continues, export value could increase from $12.8 billion in 2025 to an estimated $18.3 bi

Inspiring USask alumni to be honoured with achievement awards

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the Alumni Achievement Awards, one of the university’s highest honours. “On behalf of the USask community, I extend our congratulations to this year’s exceptional award winners,” said USask President and Vice-Chancellor Vince Bruni-Bossio (MBA’10, PhD’21). “USask is proud to have more than 180,000 alumni living in 130 countries around the world. Our Alumni Achievement Award recipients exemplify the remarkable contributions that USask alumni are making every day, and their innovation, determination, and dedication inspires us all.” Alumni Achievement Awards are presented each year to outstanding USask alumni who have made an impact on their communities and around the world. The award recipients are nominated by their peers and are chosen based on their achievements, commitment to excellence, community engagement, leadership, and contributions to the wellbeing of society. “This year’s Alumni Achievem

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service