5.3 - 1 AGRICULTURE

Generates 1.7% of Canada’s (GDP) and provides jobs to approximately one in 86 Canadians. Supports many rural communities and provides a safe, abundant food supply. Agricultural land is considered a renewable resource because, if it is properly cared for, crops may grow on it year after year. Only about 7 % of the total land area of Canada is arable - or suitable for growing crops.

The most important natural factors affecting farming are: Climate Landforms Soil conditions Other factors: Demand for certain products Transportation systems available Closeness to markets Competition from lower-cost growers Changing food prices on world markets

Challenges Farmers Face: natural hazards (early frosts, drought, floods, and animal diseases) high costs for fuel and equipment low crop prices competition from subsidized farmers in other countries competition from factory farms Subsidy – money given by the government to offset the cost of producing a good or service. Why would a governments pay farmers a subsidy? It reduces farmers costs so they keep their price lower and have an advantage over farmers from other countries.

There are a number of trends in Canadian agriculture: Changing consumer demands – people want healthier food. 2. Changing technology – allows more food to be grown but may be bad for health / environment. (pesticides)

3. Larger farms / less farmers – technology allows fewer farmers to work bigger areas of land.

4. Control of agriculture by transnational corporations. Agribusiness industry – a large-scale farming business that carries out all the steps involved in producing food. (growing / storing / processing / transporting)

5. Growth of factory farms – large numbers of animals are kept in controlled spaces, treated with hormones and antibiotics to maximize growth and prevent disease.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE - FEEDING CANADA IN THE FUTURE Sustainable agriculture – a method of farming that is profitable, protects the environment, conserves natural resources, supports the rural community and that lasts into the future. How can sustainable agriculture be encouraged? Buy locally grown food whenever possible. Plant your own garden or participate in a community garden. Support farms that use organic agriculture. Organic agriculture - growing plants and animals without using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, growth hormones, or antibiotics.