Surprising Career Opportunities in Agriculture and Agri-Food
Recently, I listened to a thought-provoking webinar hosted by ECO Canada, featuring Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan. Her insights into the future of the agriculture and agri-food sector were both timely and inspiring.
The talk reinforced something I believe deeply as a Career Counsellor and Advisor — staying informed on emerging trends is essential to helping clients navigate their career paths, especially in industries that are transforming.
Key Stats as of 2024 for the Agriculture- Agri Foods
- 2.3 million people are employed in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industry
- 62.2 million hectares of farmland across Canada
- $149.2 billion contribution to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product
The agriculture industry is much more than farms; it is an industry in transition, and sustainability is at its core.
A Sector Reinventing Itself: Agriculture in 2024 and Beyond
As the global population grows, climate change intensifies, and arable land decreases, agriculture is being reimagined. This sector is now asking:
- How do we grow more food with less land?
- How can we protect the environment while feeding the world?
- What innovations will keep Canada competitive and sustainable?
The answers are creating career opportunities you may not expect.
Beyond the Barn: Career Paths You May Not Have Considered
Science & Innovation
- Seed genetics & plant breeding – developing climate-resilient and high-yield crops
- Soil remediation – restoring and maintaining healthy land for agriculture
- Food science & safety – ensuring quality from lab to plate
- Biotechnology & cellular agriculture – growing meat without animals, or milk without cows
Animal and Environmental Health
- Animal welfare & veterinary techs – supporting ethical and productive livestock practices
- Environmental monitoring – assessing emissions, biodiversity, and land impact
- Integrated pest management – using data and science to reduce harmful pesticides
Tech-Driven Roles
- Precision agriculture – using GPS, drones, and AI to make farming more efficient
- GIS analysts & data scientists – mapping land use, weather trends, and crop health
- Agri-cybersecurity specialists – protecting connected equipment and food supply chains
Sustainability & Business
- Carbon consultants – helping farms participate in carbon credit markets
- Sustainable packaging manufacturers – reducing waste in food distribution
- Agri-business & export marketing – managing the movement of food products globally
Education, Equity & Leadership
- Indigenous food sovereignty advocates support traditional knowledge and food systems.
- Diversity and inclusion coordinators – improving access to funding and opportunity
- Policy makers & agricultural economists – shaping the future of food systems
Final Thought
Agriculture and agri-food is one of the most critical and evolving sectors in Canada. From climate action to food innovation to export growth — this is where science, sustainability, and purpose intersect.
As a career counsellor, I’m excited to help people uncover surprising, impactful, and future-ready paths in a field that feeds not just our plates, but our economy and our planet.
If you are ready for the next step in your career and would like assistance, I’m happy to work with you on your journey.
About Dorothy Keenan, Career Advisor, Providing career assessments, résumés, cover letters and job search strategies
Moving your career forward is rewarding yet challenging. For the last 25 years, I have been helping individuals in a broad cross-section of the labour force navigate the sometimes rocky waters of finding fulfilling work. Whether you are a C-Suite Executive, mid-level career changer or recent graduate, I can help you create a winning résumé, LinkedIn profile, cover letter, and bio targeted to catch the attention of those hiring. Your résumé, when built in conjunction with the right job search strategies, will put you in front of the right audience.