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IN RECENT YEARS, Canada’s agriculture sector has enjoyed relatively
stable conditions. But like exposed topsoil in heavy rain, this foundation
is eroding. The sector now faces unprecedented turbulence requiring a
fundamental rethink of risk management.
Recent tari昀昀 threats from the United States mark only the latest
shock, following China’s tari昀昀s on Canadian canola and pork. These
disruptions represent one dimension of the multifaceted risks
confronting our agricultural system.
From relatively stable to risky business
This farm-to-fork system employs 2.3 million people
(one in nine jobs) and generates $150 billion annually,
approximately seven per cent of Canada’s GDP. With
farm equity totaling nearly $788 billion and farm debt
reaching $146 billion by late 2023, the sector’s 昀椀nancial importance is critical. Most of this capital is nature-based, with farmland accounting for 72 per cent
of assets. This means risks to natural systems pose direct threats to the sector’s 昀椀nancial foundation.
SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK TRANSFORMATION
FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT
E N V I RON M E N T J OURN A L QUA RT E RLY RE PORT • S UM M ER 2 02 5 • P AGE 3 8
