Economy and jobs - Canada’s Food System

The Hidden Power of Canada’s Food System: Jobs, Communities, and More 

Every meal you enjoy, from your morning coffee to your family’s weekend dinner, connects you to something bigger than your plate. Canada’s Food System is more than fields and grocery aisles; it’s a web of people and jobs that stretches across the country. 

According to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 1 in 9 jobs in Canada are tied to our food system. That’s millions of Canadians whose work keeps food growing, moving, and arriving fresh on your table. 

Who’s Behind Your Food? 

Think about your last trip to the store or your favourite take-out meal. Behind those everyday experiences are: 

  • Farmers and ranchers raising livestock, poultry and growing crops. 
  • Truck drivers and warehouse crews making sure food gets where it needs to go fresh and on time. 
  • Processors and packers turning raw ingredients into the foods we know and love. 
  • Retailers and restaurant workers serving us in grocery stores and kitchens across the country. 

Each of these roles is a piece of Canada’s Food System. Together, they create not just meals but livelihoods, communities, and economic strength. 

Beyond this, our food system offers a wide range of unexpected careers. Engineers, lawyers, nutritionists, product specialists, communicators, scientists, and many others work to bring you the food you enjoy every day!  

More Than Nourishment 

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada reports that Canada’s Food System contributes nearly $150 billion every year to our economy and provides work for over 2.3 million people. That’s rural and urban, coast to coast to coast, from small towns to big cities. 

When you buy food, whether it’s grown here in Canada or imported from abroad, you’re supporting a system that provides jobs and keeps communities strong. 

Why It Matters 

Labour shortages are one of the biggest challenges facing our food system. The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council estimated that 28,257 agrigulture jobs went unfilled in 2022. When that happens, farmers can’t plant, processors can’t produce, and retailers can’t stock the shelves. These challenges not only equate to 3.7% loss in sales, but also pressure on our food supply. 

Supporting Canada’s Food System isn’t only about dollars. It’s about keeping communities strong, ensuring food security for families, and celebrating the people who make our food system world-class. 

A Simple Truth 

The next time you sit down for a meal, remember: every bite carries the hard work of millions of Canadians. From before the farm gate to beyond your plate, our food system is one of the strongest threads weaving this country together. And by valuing it, we help it thrive for the future. 

Your voice matters. Add it to the growing movement by signing our pledge. It’s a simple way to stand behind the millions of Canadians and countless global partners who keep our food system thriving. 

Learn More 

Want to dig deeper into Canada’s Food System and the people who make it possible? Check out these resources: 

  • Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA): Hear the voice of Canadian farmers and gain insights into the economic impact of agriculture, policy priorities, and the challenges and opportunities facing our food system.