Security of Supply, Food Safety, Food Quality, Reduced Dependence on Imports and other Countries' Economic and Political Interests, Employment Opportunities from Careers to Part Time Jobs, Stable and Growing Gross Domestic Product,

Healthy Foods, Healthy Families, Healthy Economy, Healthy Choices...

Just a few things that Canadian Agri-Food and Agricultural Sectors Support if You the Consumer Buys Canadian, and Where Possible, Product of Canada Foods, Beverages, Ingredients and Seeds!

FYI – Food and Beverage Production – Total – Exports – Imports

According to Agriculture Canada, the food and beverage processing (FBP) sector is made up of businesses that transform raw agricultural products or semi-processed food into consumer-ready or semi-prepared food and beverages.

In total, the food and beverage products and processing sector employs over 330,000 people and contributes almost $200 billion to the Canadian economy.

Ontario and Quebec account for most of the production with approximately 60% of sales, British Columbia and Alberta account for 24% and the remaining provinces, over 16%.

Approximately 8,500 food and beverage processing establishments with employees exist in Canada, with the vast majority being small businesses.

Exports

37% or $54 billion of Canada’s Food and Beverage production is exported, with 80% of that going to the United States in 2022.

40% of our food processing sector is dependent on exports. These are for the most part, limited processed foods such as dairy, eggs, meat, canola oil.

In food manufacturing, 25% of jobs depend on exports. These are mostly in Quebec and Ontario.

Imports

Canada imported over $45 billion in processed and finished food and beverage products in 2022.

https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/6075-look-those-work-agriculture

Canadian Imports in Agri-Food are mostly from the US and are prepared, processed and packaged such as (in order of value), with many of them made with our own exported raw ingredients!:

Wine Baked Goods Food Preparations Coffee

Pet food Chocolate Fresh Berries Fruit and Nuts

Fresh vegetables Spirits, Liquors Bottled water Crustaceans

Sauces/Condiments Prepared Fish Prepared Meats

Observation: Canada clearly can produce it's own Wine, Baked Goods, Food Preparations, Pet Food, Fresh Berries,

Fresh Vegetables, Spirits and Liquors, Bottled Water, Crustaceans, Sauces and Condiments, Prepared Fish and Prepared Meats...

You can find all of these Product of Canada on this site!

So Buy Canadian and Reduce Imports...

The following information is from a wide variety of sources from various years – mostly Statistics Canada and Agriculture Canada with some sources cited.

We advise that you verify if you decide to use any of this data.

Otherwise, please accept it as generally reflective of the real situation.

If something is glaringly incorrect, please let us know.

Get Smart – Know What Agri-Food and Agricultural Commodities and Products Canada Produces, Exports and Imports –

It May Surprise You and Encourage You to Take Action and Purchase Canadian!

Introduction – Canada’s Agri-Food and Agricultural Production

Canada’s agriculture and agri-food system touches all Canadians and communities in Canada.

Canadian-made foods are recognized worldwide for the highest standards of quality and food safety.

In 2023, the agriculture and agri-food system, accounted for:

$150 billion or 7% of Canada's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Employed approximately 2.3 million people

Was responsible for 1 in 9 jobs across the country – working in Primary Agriculture (farmers), Food and Beverage Processors, Food Retailers and Wholesalers, Foodservice providers.

Approximately half of the value of primary agriculture production in Canada is exported, as either primary commodities or processed food and beverage products.

Introduction – Canada’s Agri-Food and Agricultural Production –Exports

Canada is the world's 8th largest exporter of agricultural products, fish, and seafood.

In 2023, Canada exported nearly $99.1 billion in these products.

These are mostly raw, unprocessed, no-value-add commodities.

Over 90% of Canada's farmers are dependent on exports.

Canada's top trading partner is the United States, which accounts for about 60% of Canada's agricultural exports.

China is Canada's second-largest export market for agricultural products.

Introduction – Canada’s Agri-Food and Agricultural Production –Imports

Canada is the sixth largest importer of agri-food and seafood products in the world, after the European Union, the United States, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Canada imports $48+ Billion annually in mostly finished and packaged foods, beverages and ingredients with 60+% coming from the United Sates.

https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/canadian-food-system/overview-agri-food-system

Date modified: 2024-06-27

https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/overview

Let’s Get Smart About Canada’s Agri-food and Agricultural Sectors – For Our Own Good!

Security of Supply, Food Safety, Food Quality, Reduced Dependence on Imports and other Countries' Economic and Political Interests, Employment Opportunities from Careers to Part Time Jobs, Stable and Growing Gross Domestic Product,

Healthy Foods, Healthy Families, Healthy Economy, Healthy Choices - Just a few things that Canadian Agri-Food and Agricultural Sectors can Support if You the Consumer Buy Canadian and Where Possible, Product of Canada Foods, Beverages and Ingredients!!

Farm market receipts represent the farmer's revenues from the sale of agricultural commodities and are diversified across commodities, led by grains and oilseeds, red meat and dairy.

In 2023 farm market receipts were $93.0 billion with – grain and oilseed receipts leading the way.

10 % of farms generate more than 66% of all revenues.

In crop production, 50% of jobs depend on exports.

Primary Agriculture – Field Crop Production – Exports and Imports

Major field crops grown in Canada are wheat, canola, mustard, barley, ryes, oat, maize, soybean, and pulse crops. Field Crops account for 90% of the total agricultural crop area in Canada.

70% of Canada’s production of field crops is exported with 25% of that going to China and 12% to the United States.

75% of our wheat is exported as a raw material or commodity

90% of our canola is exported as a raw material or commodity

70% of our soy beans are exported as a raw material or commodity

95% of our pulses are exported as a raw material or commodity

Primary Agriculture – Horticulture Production – Exports and Imports

Horticulture production in Canada is the cultivation of plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. It also includes the breeding, raising, harvesting, and production of seeds, seedlings, grafts, and cuttings.

Horticulture is a labor-intensive industry. Temporary foreign workers are essential to this industry – most coming to Canada from Mexico.

In 2022, horticulture operations employed almost half of all employees in the agriculture sector but generated less than 15% or $8.6 Billion of farm cash receipts.

57% of Canada’s Horticulture production is Exported with 97% going to the United States.

Canada imports vegetables year-round to meet domestic demand. In 2023, Canada imported over $3.9 billion in fresh vegetables, with the United States and Mexico being the top suppliers. The top imported field vegetables included lettuce, cauliflowers and headed broccoli, onions and shallots, cabbages, and tomatoes.

https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/6075-look-those-work-agriculture

Primary Agriculture – Live Animal (including Seafood) Production – Exports and Imports

Animal production in Canada is the practice of raising animals, fattening them, and producing animal products on farms, ranches, and feedlots.

Animals include Beef cattle, Dairy cows, Pigs, Poultry, Sheep, Egg-laying hens, Turkeys, Horses, and Fish.

It also includes the breeding of animals for recreational purposes and for the production of animal products.

50% of the live and unprocessed animals and fish are exported from Canada with 94% going to the United States.

70% of our pork is exported live.

Canada’s Live Cattle and Calves industry – Domestic Production

11.1 million cattle and calves are raised on 70,490 Canadian farms and ranches in Canada. Alberta accounts for approximately 40% of the inventory. Farm cash receipts from the sale of cattle and calves in 2023 totaled $14.95 billion, 15.2% of total farm receipts.

Exports of Live Cattle and Calves

Canada is one of the world's largest beef exporters. 50% of our cattle is exported live. The United States is its main export market. In 2022, Canada exported 780,000 or 75% of live cattle exports to the U.S.

Imports of Live Cattle to Canada

Canada imports livestock into Canada, mostly from the US. In 2023, 300,000 cattle were imported.

Canada’s Chicken Industry – Domestic Production

Canadian chicken production generated $4.1 billion in 2023, contributing 4.1% of cash receipts from agricultural operations in Canada.

Canada’s Chicken Industry - Exports

In 2023, a total of 112.8 million kilograms of chicken meat and meat products, valued at $769 million, were exported to over 45 countries, with the largest importers being the United States, the Philippines, and Ghana.

https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/animal-industry/poultry-and-egg-market-information/chicken

Canada’s Chicken Industry - Imports

According to Statistics Canada, chicken meat and meat products imports in 2023 totalled 198.5 million kilograms, valued at $813 million, mostly originating from the United States, followed by Brazil and Thailand.

https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/animal-industry/poultry-and-egg-market-information/chicken

Canada’s Turkey Industry – Domestic Production

Canadian turkey production generated $487 million in 2023, contributing 0.5% of cash receipts from agricultural operations in Canada.

Canada’s Turkey Industry – Exports

In 2023 25.4 million kilograms of turkey meat and meat products, worth more than $79 million, were exported to 40 countries, with the largest importers being the United States and China.

Canada is an important player in turkey genetics. In 2023, Canada exported 8 million poults worth $27.3 million to the United States.

In 2023, Canada exported 8 million poults to the United States, worth $27.3 million.

Canada’s Turkey Industry – Imports

According to Statistics Canada, turkey meat and meat products imports in 2023 totalled 6.1 million kilograms, valued at $46 million, and mostly originating from United States, Chile, and Poland.

Canada’s Shell Egg Industry – Domestic Production

In 2023, the egg sector in Canada generated $1.8 billion in farm cash receipts, contributing 1.8% of cash receipts from agricultural operations in Canada.

In 2023, over 791 million dozen eggs were graded, 58% of which were produced in Ontario and Quebec.

The egg market in Canada is divided into two categories, table eggs and processed eggs. The table egg market, mostly supplying the retail and food service market, accounts for approximately 66% of the Canadian egg production. Meanwhile, the egg processing sector, supplying the industrial, food service and retail sectors, accounts for the balance (approximately 33%).

Canada’s Shell Egg Industry – Exports

In 2022, Canada exported $62.6 million worth of eggs, making it the 17th largest exporter of eggs in the world. Main destinations of Canada exports on Eggs were United States ($43.8M), Russia ($8.43M), Brazil ($2.68M), Chile ($1.62M), and France ($1.11M).

In 2023, Canada exported over 3 million kilograms of processed eggs worth $15 million.

United States remains Canada’s main trading partner in the egg industry.

Canada’s Shell Egg Industry – Imports

Canadian egg production is supplemented by imports in the form of shell eggs, shell eggs for breaking, egg products and egg powder.

In 2023, a total of 44.8 million dozen of shell eggs, mostly for breaking, and 2.5 million kilograms of processed eggs in the form of liquid, frozen and dried were imported into Canada.

In 2022, Canada imported $165M in Eggs, mainly from United States ($161M), China ($4.21M), Chinese Taipei ($292k), United Kingdom ($90.6k), and Brazil ($104).

Canada’s Pig (Live) Industry – Domestic Production

In 2023, 21.8 million hogs went to market in Canadian plants.

Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba account for 81% of the total Canadian hog herd. Farm cash receipts from the sale of hogs in 2023 totaled $5.85 billion, 5.9% of total farm receipts.

Canada’s Pig Industry – Live Exports

In 2021, Canada exported 1.3 million market pigs, sows, and boars to the United States for processing.

In 2024, the US imported 4.9 million feeder pigs from Canada that were fed and finished in the US.

1.64 million head went to processing facilities in the United States and 5.0 million isoweans and feeder hogs went for feeding and finishing on United States farms.

70% of our pork is exported live. The value from all exports was about $4.8 Billion in 2022. Canada ‘s domestic consumption accounts for about 30%.

Canada’s Pig Industry – Live Imports

Negligible

Canada’s Pork (Processed) Industry – Domestic Production

Pork production has remained strong and in 2022, around 2.3 million metric tons of pork were produced in Canada.

Canada's meat processing companies produce a variety of meat products, including processed, smoked, canned, and cooked meats, as well as sausage and deli meats. About 70% of processed meats in Canada are made with pork.

Canada’s Pork Industry – Processed Pork Exports

In 2022 Canada exported 1.41 million metric tons of pork with the top destinations being Japan and the United States.

Canada is export dependent, a producer-export market, with exports accounting for 71% of its production.

Canada’s Pork Industry – Processed Pork Imports

Canada imports fresh, frozen, and processed pork products from the United States, Germany, Mexico, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and other countries.

Canada has historically been a top destination for U.S. pork.

Canada imports between 234,000 and 270,000 metric tons of pork annually.

Canada’s Pork Industry – Balance of Trade with United States

Canada exports 1.6 million tons of pork with 70% going to the US. In the same year we imported 260,000 tons (valued about $1.6 Billion), with 87% coming from the United States.

https://porkcheckoff.org/pork-branding/international-market-development/canada/

Canada’s Domestic Dairy Industry – Milk

Canadians looking for healthy and nutritious products continue to have access to an ever-expanding range of quality and innovative Canadian dairy products.

New dairy products have been developed such as Greek-style yogurt, pre- and probiotics, lactose-free and calcium or omega-3 fortified products.

Milk protein products continue to be used as ingredients in a growing array of food items, such as infant formula, sports and nutritional beverages and confectionaries.

Canada produces around 94.5 million hectoliters of milk annually. This is 9.450 billion kilograms.

Canada’s Dairy Industry - Exports

In 2023, exports reached 150,936,728 kg ($488.07 million), a decrease of 3.3% over the previous year.

Source: Statistics Canada; Prepared by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Animal Industry Division, Market Information Section

https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/animal-industry/canadian-dairy-information-centre/statistics-market-information/exports

Canada’s Dairy Industry - Imports

In 2023, Canada imported $1,501.25 million worth of dairy products, which was 259,183,516 kilograms. This was a 10.2% increase in value from the previous year. Of this was $52 million in milk.

Canadian dairy imports are 3 times higher than exports. The CETA agreement allows Canada to import a limited amount of dairy at a reduced duty rate.

United States is the largest supplier of dairy products to Canada, including infant formula, fluid milk, cheese, and cream

99% of U.S. dairy exports to Canada were eligible to enter the country tariff-free largely due to NAFTA. The U.S. has preferential duty-free access in limited quantities under NAFTA for a wide range of dairy products, and duty-free access in unlimited quantities for many others— including diafiltered milk.

We also import milk from the Netherlands, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and Germany.

Source: Statistics Canada; Prepared by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Animal Industry Division, Market Information Section

https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/animal-industry/canadian-dairy-information-centre/statistics-market-information/imports

Canada’s Domestic Dairy Industry – Cheese

The Canadian cheese industry has entered into a maturity phase, evidenced by its know-how developed through extensive cheese making traditions and the diversity of approximately 1,450 varieties of cheese (cow, goat, ewe and water buffalo).

Many of these are recognized around the world for their quality and taste.

Canada’s Cheese Industry

Canada produces about 527 million kilograms of cheese annually, which is around 2% of the world's total cheese production. Canada is known for the quality and variety of its cheese.

Canada’s Cheese Industry - Exports

Canada exported approximately 8.52 million kilograms of cheese in 2023, which was worth about $103 million. This was an increase from the previous year, when Canada exported around 7.59 million kilograms of cheese.

Canada's main export destinations for cheese include: United States, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, and Australia

Canada’s Cheese Industry - Imports

In 2023, Canada imported 55.8 million kilograms of cheese. The top countries from which Canada imports cheese are: United States: 10.91 million kilograms, Italy: 7.83 million kilograms,France: 6.44 million kilograms, New Zealand: 3.3 million kilograms