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Agribusiness

Feeding the world today and tomorrow

Abundant natural resources. The world’s largest fresh water supply. Diverse plant, animal and marine life. Collaboration between government, universities, health institutions and industry. World-class regulatory and food inspection standards. Cutting-edge research focused on innovative growing practices, products and technologies. Canada feeds the world today, and into the future.

Home to Canada’s Farm Progress Show (with 40,000 annual participants the largest agricultural show in the world), the International Seed Federation World Seed Congress, the International Wheat Congress, and other global conferences dedicated to the advancement of agriculture products and technologies from coast to coast to coast, Canada leads the world in growth, food security and sustainability. Easy to access, culturally diverse, and a dynamic hub of Agri-sector-driven technologies, Canada tops everyone’s list of must-meet-here destinations. Now is the time to grow your business in Canada.

Agribusiness in Canada

$112B

The agribusiness sector generates more than $112 billion in GDP a year.

Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2020

#1

Canada is the top exporter to the world of flaxseed, canola, pulses, oats and durum wheat.

Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2020

290,000

Food and beverage processing industry is the largest manufacturing employer in Canada, employing 290,000 Canadians.

Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2020

#3

Canada is the world’s third-largest exporter of pork products, after the EU and the US.

Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2020

Centres of excellence

Canada's key Agribusiness centres

Sub-sector spotlight

Wine & viticulture

Wine & viticulture

  • Hotspots: Kelowna: viticulture, culinary & wine, tree fruit
  • Niagara: viticulture, culinary & wine
  • 84% of BC’s vineyards are planted in the Okanagan Valley
  • 13,600 acres of vineyards in Niagara
Value added food processing

Value‑added food processing

  • Hotspots: Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, London, Québec City, Charlottetown
  • $109.3 Billion in shipments, 2016
  • Amongst Canada’s largest and fastest-growing industries
Nutraceuticals

Natural health food products and nutraceuticals

  • Hotspots: Winnipeg, London, Québec City
  • $11 Billion in annual revenue
  • 750 Businesses
The exterior of a Canadian building with modern architecture

"Kelowna’s rich agricultural history paired with our robust wine and tree fruit industry and leading agricultural research, make it an ideal location for delegations to explore the latest agri-innovation set against the backdrop of the Okanagan Valley’s iconic mountains, lakes, vineyards and orchards. It’s all here, now."

Corie Griffiths, Director, Regional District of the Central Okanagan

Home-grown tech companies

UoS

The University of Saskatchewan has become Canada’s leading hub for crop genomics.

GIFS

The Global Institute for Food Security is working to improve drought, pest and stress-resistance in crops by linking specific genes to desired traits.

UoM

The oilseed crop, Canola, was developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers at the University of Manitoba — the world’s only “made in Canada” crop.

St Hyacinthe

(Saint-Hyacinthe Research and Development Centre) A new fermentation process to preserve vegetables is helping farmers improve the quality and taste of produce by eliminating the need to pasteurize.

Dr oetker

When Dr. Oetker decided to expand its pizza-making line outside of Germany for the very first time, it chose London, Ontario for its proximity to locally farmed food, abundant fresh water supply, fully serviced industrial land, as well as access to skilled workers and a modern transport system.

Agri-food discovery place

The Agri-Food Discovery Place, within the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, researches animal nutrient and ingredient development, carcass and meat science, fermentation, meat safety and processing, and natural health products and functional food, in collaboration with industry and government partners.

Here's how we can help you get planning

The team at Destination Canada Business Events helps global organizations meet with purpose in Canada. Contact our team for:

  • Specific information regarding Canada's sector expertise
  • Recommendations on destinations based on their sector strengths
  • Introductions to industry leaders, academia, and economic development agencies 
  • Recommendations of expert speakers to augment events
  • Assistance in sourcing RFPs for conference placement

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