Courtesy: CHAT Newsroom

By Angela Kazmierczak

Farmers concerned over the shortage of succession plans

Apr 20, 2023 | 5:28 PM

FOREMOST, AB – A report by the Royal Bank of Canada projects that one of the largest shortages of farmers in Canada history is coming.

With 40 per cent of farm producers expected to retire in the next 10 years and majority without a succession plan, it raises concern for the future of agriculture.

Ian Russel, a second-generation farmer from Foremost, would like to see his kids farming one day. But like thousands of Canadian farmers he’s uncertain of who will inherit the family farm. He notices many young farmers within the Foremost area though.

“In our area, there are quite a few younger people taking it up, but it’ll be a multi-generational farm. Some of the smaller farms are being swallowed up by larger corporate farms,” said Russel.

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He claims corporate farms are purchasing smaller farmers due to the high costs small producers face, which aren’t sustainable. In addition, he says it’s difficult to become a large producer without the land first being generationally passed down.

In response to the shortage, RBC bank recommends the increased immigration of skilled farmers, more agriculture within colleges and the automation of equipment. But by further automating equipment, Russel says the costs of it will further weed out the small farmers.

“I think you’re definitely going to see more mechanization, more technology involved and then all that will be left is the small niche or microfarms,” he said.

Instead, Russel recommends more education and for agriculture to be part of a trades program.

Another local farmer, Nichole Neubauer, a fifth generation farmer from outside Medicine Hat, says the report highlights how farmers have relied on reproduction for too long.

“Definitely, the report by RBC sheds some light on how important it is to have succession plans in place for farms, and for too long we’ve relied on the reproductive capacity of farmers to sustain our workforce.. and as time goes on we need to grow more food than ever before,” said Neubauer.

She’s pleased, however, that the RBC bank is beginning to take an interest in farming, considering loans will be required for those getting into farming and in need of purchasing equipment and farmland.

She urges that focus be redirected to training young Canadians, instead of looking outside the country to address the skilled labor shortage.

Neubauer believes, “if we act now, it isn’t too late to inspire the hearts and minds of Canadian kids to farm.”