One-third of jobs in the agriculture sector and one-fifth of jobs in food and beverage manufacturing are at risk of automation in the next decade, according to the Conference Board of Canada.
This transformation is driven by the integration of automation and digital technologies, which promises to revolutionize the agri-food sector, it said.
“Automation and digital technologies are revolutionizing Canada’s agri-food sector, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth and innovation,” said Alain Francq, Director, Innovation & Technology at The Conference Board of Canada. However, he noted that this shift brings significant implications for the future of work in the industry.
Routine tasks disappearing, but growth expected among knowledge jobs
As traditional processes evolve, the sector is witnessing a shift in the skills requirements and labour demands of its workforce. While many routine tasks are expected to be automated, some roles, such as data scientists and software engineers, are projected to see significant growth. This reflects the increasing demand for workers with advanced education and technical skills.
“Canada must ensure that its agri-food workforce is well-equipped to navigate this period of transformation,” said Noel Baldwin, Executive Director at the Future Skills Centre. He emphasized the need for a strategic approach to workforce development to support at-risk workers in reskilling and capitalizing on emerging opportunities.
Smoother transition expected for agriculture workers
The report highlights a smoother transition for workers in agriculture compared to those in food and beverage manufacturing. Agriculture workers are noted to possess many of the skills required for emerging roles, necessitating only minor upskilling or reskilling.
Conversely, the food and beverage manufacturing sector faces more significant challenges, requiring substantial investments in targeted training programs to bridge skills and knowledge gaps.
To facilitate this transition, the report calls for investments in education and professional development programs. Enhancing talent attraction efforts, implementing knowledge transfer programs, and providing supports for farmers and workers in the industry are deemed essential for preparing the workforce to meet the evolving demands of this increasingly technology-driven landscape.
