It’s always a good day to thank farmers, ranchers and agri-food workers because they literally keep us alive, but it makes extra sense on this particular Tuesday because it just happens to be Canadian Agriculture Day.

In addition to producing the food we need, the agriculture sector is a key economic driver in Alberta.

Exports

• At $13.9 billion, agriculture exports accounted for 10% of the value of Alberta’s international merchandise exports last year. If we exclude oil and gas extraction and petroleum refinery exports, its share rises to 36%.
• Alberta exports the third largest amount of agricultural products in the country after Ontario and Saskatchewan.

Manufacturing

• In 2021, food and beverage manufacturing in Alberta generated $21.3 billion in revenue.
• Alberta has the third largest food and beverage manufacturing sector in the country after Ontario and Quebec.

Employment

• As of 2020, there were over 82,000 people employed in primary agriculture and food and beverage manufacturing in Alberta.

GDP

• In 2020, primary agriculture and food and beverage manufacturing generated 3.1% of Alberta’s real GDP.
• The sector’s contribution to Alberta’s economic output is about the same as the information and communication technology sector and is larger than, for example, the accommodation and food services sector; the utilities sector; and the arts, entertainment and recreation sector.

Agriculture is a cornerstone industry that supports other economic activity, provides an essential product and is poised for long-term growth as the global middle class continues to expand and desire more and better food and beverage products.

Let’s raise a fork to the food we love and the people who produce it!