A presentation by Pat Learmonth with the Peterborough County Economic Development team.

The agri-food sector is full of opportunity, and the next generations have a crucial role to play in shaping a resilient and innovative food system for Ontario. On October 22nd, Farms at Work was honored to join an expert array of presenters to groups of Guidance Counsellors from Kawartha Pine Ridge School Board and the Peterborough, Northumberland, Kawartha and Clarington Catholic District School Board to share what we know about the immense opportunity and fulfillment to be found in the agricultural sector, and the growing nature (pun intended) of the work!

What sort of future does the agriculture sector hold for students in high school now? What sort of positions are needed? And how will these positions create a resilient and robust local food network?

A Growing Sector with a Promising Future

Ontario’s agri-food sector is one of the province’s most dynamic engines of growth. It contributes nearly $51 billion to Ontario’s GDP every year, supports over 871,000 jobs (that’s 1 in every 9!), and encompasses more than 48,000 farms producing over 200 commodities, making up around 54% of food Ontarians consume!

Ontario has set a commitment to broadening the depth of this sector even further. In the 2022 report: the Grow Ontario Strategy, Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness stated that ‘The 10-year goal to increase the production and consumption of food grown and prepared in Ontario by 30% is well underway’. This will bring provincially grown food to approximately 70% of what is consumed.

For example: if you just look at the Vegetable and Fruit production in 2009 – you’ll see that Ontario produced 17,375 million servings – but the target level to feed each Ontarian with the recommended daily serving (on the low end) is 38,898 million servings. These are big numbers! But it reflects an essential concept: Food is a critical resource, and there is room for growth that will facilitate job growth, innovation, reduced transportation and reduced reliance on imported foods.

A Call for Innovation and Talent

According to the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council, Canada’s agriculture sector could face a labour gap of more than 100,000 workers by 2030. And with nearly 40% of farmers expected to retire by 2033, there’s a critical need for new talent and innovation.

There is a vast array of job opportunity and areas of specialty interest in agriculture. Whether you’re running your own Farm Business, or supporting a farm business with your operation, the agricultural sector will need people who are tech savvy, machine savvy, business savvy and more. From enterprises on farm, to the trucks and transportation moving the product, innovators creating new and exciting tools to support our farms, and those who care for the health and wellbeing of livestock. Primary processing (milling, abattoirs, canning and juicing) to secondary processing (chips, sauces, muffins!) being a part of the agri-food sector is an essential service that keeps Ontarians fed, and is expected to continue to see opportunity for job growth and employment well into the future.

How Schools Can Inspire Future Leaders

There’s an opportunity now for schools and educators to help students discover meaningful futures in agriculture. The RBC Next Generation of Growth report recommends:

• Integrating agriculture and food content across multiple subjects
• Creating regional Agriculture Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs in Grades 11 and 12
• Offering experiential learning opportunities, including field trips to local food and farming operations
• Helping students explore clear pathways after graduation, including hands-on training and mentorship programs

These experiences don’t just teach skills — they connect young people to the land, to their communities, and to a sense of purpose.

A Meaningful Career Path

Working in agriculture means contributing to something bigger: ensuring the future of food, the health of our environment, and the strength of our local economies. Whether students are drawn to science, engineering, business, or hands-on production, there’s a place for them in Ontario’s food system.

Download our Pathways to Farming handout that shares how to explore career opportunities in agri-food while you’re in high school, what programs are available in port-secondary schools in Ontario, and many links that will support your journey into this exciting and promising sector.

Check out our Resources for Aspiring Farmers page for added insight and opportunity!

Download the full slide deck for this presentation here.

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