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By Chris Brown

Leading economic recovery

Agriculture industry setting records this year in Alberta

Sep 28, 2020 | 2:04 PM

Alberta is expected to see record highs in the agriculture industry this year.

Crop yields are estimated to be more than seven per cent above what is normal.

Livestock market sales are estimated to hit a record of $6.9 billion, while the food processing sector is expected to reach a record with products totalling $14.8 billion.

“Alberta has a proud history of resilient, innovative farmers, food processors and ranchers who have overcome some of the toughest conditions,” says Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen. “From our world-famous Alberta beef to high-quality hard red spring wheat, Alberta’s agriculture sector is an economic highlight during these tough times. They are well-positioned to compete internationally and to feed the world. Regardless of the challenges thrown at our farmers and ranchers, they will persevere.”

Alberta Beef Producers chair Kelly Smith-Fraser says cattle markets have stabilized after COVID-19 caused disruptions earlier in the year and hopes prices will be steady through the fall.

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“Alberta’s processing sector continues to see consistent flow of production and strong capacity, due in large part to the hard-working plant employees. This pandemic has reminded us that Alberta’s beef industry never fails to demonstrate strength and resilience through challenging times.”

Agriculture and Forestry’s long-term plan to bolster Alberta’s agriculture sector includes aggressive investment attraction initiatives to enhance value-added food processing, improving market access and increasing export opportunities.

Alberta accounts for more than 21 per cent of all Canadian goods exported internationally.

Alberta’s agri-food sector is an important part of the Alberta economy, contributing $9.2 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) and employing more than 77,000 Albertans.

With sales of $15.8 billion in 2019, food and beverage manufacturing was the second largest manufacturing industry in Alberta (20.8 per cent of provincial manufacturing sales) after petroleum and coal product manufacturing. It is the largest manufacturing employer in the province, employing 28,000 Albertans.