Deep Roots

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families. Data from the Census of Agriculture has shown that

while the number of corporate farms is on the rise, the propor-

tion of these corporations owned by families is increasing.

Whether corporate or not, family farms are usually intertwined

with the resources of a family household, and family members

are often involved with farm work. One study found that for

many leading Western farmers, their spouses participated in

roles such as farm management (84 per cent), ownership (76

per cent) or labourer/other roles (31 per cent).

Family farms have been central to the development of local

economies throughout Canada’s history, as agriculture-based

settlement created primary economic activity in many rural

areas that hadn’t previously existed. Farming continues to

contribute to local economies today, whether through providing

local vendors and markets with produce, hiring labourers from

within the community during planting and harvesting seasons,

or spending locally on fertilizers, seeds and equipment.

According to a report by the Conference Board of Canada,

family farms have advantages that other businesses often seek

to replicate. They typically have higher levels of commitment

to their work than other farms due to the direct impact of the

farm’s success on their family unit and the resulting well-being

of people to which they have strong emotional connections.

Family farmers are also more willing than other workers to

engage in some unpaid work, and the low or non-existent

turnover rate of family workers on their farms helps avoid

recruitment and training costs. These traits contribute to the

uniqueness and resilience of family farms.

Despite these advantages, a number of issues are fuelling

discussion about the future of family farms in Canada. To begin

with, Canada’s farm population is ageing – a demographic

reality that coincides with the overall ageing of Canada’s popu-

lation, but one that can pose risks to the safety of family farmers

due to the intense physical nature of their work. According to

Statistics Canada, the average age of farm operators increased

from 47.5 to 54 years between 1991 and 2011. The number of

operators aged 55 and older increased by 13 per cent during this

period, while those under the age of 55 decreased by 43 per cent.

The declining size of the farm population and the increase in the

number of retiring farmers has raised concerns about succession

planning. Only one in five Canadian farming operations reported

having a written succession plan in place in 2007, according to

the Conference Board of Canada report.

Automation through advancing farming technology reduces

some of the physical workload, allowing some farmers to work

later into life than in previous generations. But since rates of

chronic health conditions, disabilities and ageing needs increase

with age, a greater share of farm operators face risk of injury

or other obstacles to participating in farm work. According to

the Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance Program, farmers

aged 60 and older account for approximately 15 per cent of the

farming population but for 36 per cent of all agricultural fatalities

and 74 per cent of all machine-related injuries.

Concerns have been raised about potential financial barriers

faced by the next generation of family farmers, many of whom

may find the necessary access to capital elusive. The capital

investments required for purchasing farm assets, such as land,

machinery, fertilizer and farm technology, are increasing along

with farm operating expenses. Another factor is rising land costs,

Family farming is an intergenerational practice, shaping community and

familial identities across the country

Image: Alan Mirabelli

Distribution of farms by age of the oldest operator,

Canada 1991, 2001 and 2011

Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Agriculture, 1991, 2001 and 2011

2001

2011

1991

Less than

40 years

40-44

years

45-49

years

50-54

years

55+

years

In Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province with a

population of under 150,000, more than 90 family farms have

been in continuous operation since Canadian Confederation in

1867. (PEI Agriculture Sector Council, 2014)

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