Canada’s farmers are getting older, and most don’t have a clear succession plan, leaving a big question over who will take over the agriculture sector as a wave of retirements loom. 

But industry insiders say an increased focus on technology and sustainability is helping attract younger generations to agriculture, including those coming to the field for the first time. 

Young people entering farming from other industries will be key to the sector’s evolution as it grapples with challenges like climate change.

The demographics of farm operators show an industry in clear need of rejuvenation, even as the barriers to entry can be daunting. 

The average age of a Canadian farm operator was 56 in 2021, according to Statistics Canada, and the median age 58, with both those figures rising from the previous census.

(Canadian Press)