What we do

The agriculture and agri-food sector plays an important role in Canada from both an economic and social perspective. The sector, which comprises primary agriculture, food and beverage processing, and distribution, including retail and food service outlets, accounts for approximately eight per cent of the country's GDP. It generates about $130 billion in consumer sales in Canada each year. In addition, the sector exported more than $30.5 billion in agriculture and food products (including seafood) in 2006, and contributed almost $7.4 billion to Canada's overall trade surplus. It employs about two million Canadians, representing one of every eight jobs in the country.

Just as important is the sector's contribution to Canada's social fabric and the rural way of life. Canada's farmers, farm families and farming communities are the heart of Canadian agriculture and agri-food, and ensuring the sector has the tools it needs to grow, prosper and be competitive on the world stage is key to a successful economic and social future for Canada and for all Canadians