Canada has a strong agricultural sector and is a leading exporter, shipping food and drink goods to about 190 countries. The US is Canada’s primary importer, with China, Japan and Mexico falling in line, albeit with much smaller shares. In 2015 alone, exports rang to the tune of just over $31 billion, and Canada produced approximately 75 million tons of wheat, canola, soybeans, corn, barley and oats.

Canada for Agribusiness

Canada has an ideal location, with easy access to North America. Pro-business, the country draws foreign investors with its steady political and economic climates as well as its qualified labor force and abundant opportunities for research and development. Canada also offers up a veritable cornucopia of natural resources, from rich farmland to abundant marine life and a generous supply of fresh water.

In fact, Campbell Company opted for doing business in Canada when it opened its Canadian division in Etobicoke, Ontario. Ana Dominguez, President for Campbell Company of Canada, notes the excellent labor pool and beneficial tax incentives as well as Canada’s bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements as magnetic factors for the company’s presence in Canada.

Canadian Agribusiness Capitalizes on Healthy Eating Trends

One niche area for agribusiness in Canada is the healthy food sector. As more and more consumers demand healthy food options, companies specializing in niche food products and vitamin and mineral supplements have grown to meet those demands. Over 750 companies focusing on healthy, functional foods make their home in Canada.

These companies produce items that capitalize on oats, barley, pulse, omega-3 and unsaturated fatty acids, plant sterols and stanols and soy protein to provide their products with the health benefits consumers seek. The industry provides work for 16,000 people and generates in excess of $11.3 billion annually.

Future Canadian Agriculture Opportunities

Future agribusiness opportunities in Canada are plentiful due to the low Canadian dollar and expected increases in market opportunity for grain as well as global factors that assist agribusiness such as a swelling global population and expanding household incomes.

In addition, the country prizes research and development and has a number of first-class facilities enticing foreign investors and innovators in the agribusiness sector. Notable facilities include Plant Biotechnology Institute, Saskatoon Research Centre and the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre.

“The Canadian dollar, however, has been a major driver for profitability in the last couple of years and could have the biggest influence on the overall success of Canada’s agriculture industry in 2017.” –Farm Credit Canada’s Chief Agricultural Economist J.P. Gervais.

Cornfield & Partners can help you look into Canada’s agribusiness sector to help you expand sales and distribution. For information, contact info@cornfieldpartners.com or call us on +44 (0) 20 7692 0873.

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