Growing
Our
Economy

Find out how farmers are taking advantage of technological innovations to grow stronger, healthier, more abundant crops that drive economic growth.

Canada’s agricultural industry makes us a highly sought-after global trade partner. Not only does the industry provide high-quality and sustainably produced food for our country, but as a net food exporter, Canada supports food security around the world. Our agricultural excellence comes with economic benefits:

• Farmers would grow $9.2 billion less worth of crops a year without plant science innovations. This includes $7.7 billion less worth of field crops, $1 billion less worth of fruits and vegetables and $460 million less worth of potatoes.
• If Canada’s farmers could no longer use crop protection products Canada’s GDP would drop by $3 billion and economy-wide revenues would fall by $9.9 billion.
• Plant breeding alone has driven a 50% INCREASE in crop productivity over the last century ensuring Canadians have access to steady food supply.
• Without plant science innovations, Canada’s net agri-food trade balance could have been as much as 72% lower ($8.5 billion fewer exports) in 2018/19.
• The development of pesticides and plant breeding innovations drive significant economic activity, with a combined: over $3 billion in GDP per year, and creating 20,400 jobs and $863 million in wages.

All facts, figures and claims are adapted from a commissioned study by RIAS Inc. The Value of Plant Science Innovations to Canadians in 2020