There is an ever-sharpening focus on productivity in Canada – or perhaps more accurately the decline in productivity. But there is one notable exception: agriculture.
Canada’s global standing has been in decline in the last decade as our dedication to improved productivity has dwindled.
A recent report by RBC Royal Bank offers a clear insight into how we are out of step with what it takes to improve the standard of living for everyone in the nation. But they also note that agriculture is one bright spot in what is otherwise a dark picture.
Technological advancements, the bank says, have led to massive production gains with increased yields delivered by fewer people. Ten years ago, the per acre value of output was three times what it was in 1941. This year it is 12 times.
One century ago, one-third of all Canadian jobs were in agriculture. Today the industry accounts for 1.5 per cent of workers.
This massive shift was powered by technology that has allowed farms to grow in size and efficiency while freeing up labour to pursue work in other segments of the economy.
