Agricultural production is a satisfying and rapidly challenging career with risk attached. But the number of non-farmers who aspire to be farmers has been increasing over the past few years. Farming offers various advantages, including the opportunity to work and spend time outdoors, interaction with animals and other living things, seeing tangible results of our efforts, working independently, and providing nutritious food for our communities while also protecting the environment. The best part is the profit which gains with the quality product.
So, most developed countries are involved with smart agriculture with fluent knowledge and experiences from the past.
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Fundamental about Canadian Agriculture
Canada is main world's leading farming producer and exporter. Like other industrialized countries, the percentage of the population employed in agriculture and farm GDP as a percentage of national GDP declined considerably throughout the twentieth century. Agriculture remains an essential part of the Canadian economy. Canada has various agricultural practices, while Canada's vast range of agriculture wheat fields in the prairies to the Okanagan Valley's summer crops. The Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food keeps an eye on Canadian agriculture on behalf of the federal government.
When it came to Canadian "major grain, vegetable, and fruit crops," there were 48 in the early 21st century. There are five "production sectors" according to the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), grain and oilseeds production (34%), red meat (24%), dairy (12%), horticulture (9%), and poultry and egg (8%).
The basic requirements to become a Farmer in Canada
Let us find out the basic needs to become a successful farmer in Canada.
1. Interest in Farming,
No matter what kind of new venture you embark on, the first step you should choose is whether you want to become a farmer as a hobby or as a business. When it comes to standards and aspirations, a hobby or lifestyle farm may fulfil your needs, but your farming operation must be planned and run like a business if you want to make a substantial profit. Ask yourself and get comments from your family and instructors about your new business idea before jump into the pool. Consider all positive and negative constraints which possible with your situation.
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2. Knowledge of Farming and Agriculture
If you still trust your journey with agribusiness, the next step would be to learn about agriculture. Which of the following considerations encourages you to leave the city, where you may earn more money with less effort, and grow professionally in agriculture? Even if you choose to farm organically or conventionally, you should know that it will be hard work with little or no financial benefit. Contrary to widespread assumption, agriculture provides little cash compensation in exchange for the long hours and hard work required.
Several institutes give educational support on Agriculture and business management to improve the quality of the farm in a traditional manner.
In addition to McGill, Dalhousie, and the University of British Columbia, universities in Canada also conduct agricultural research on various topics, including agricultural science and engineering, agricultural soil science, and sustainable agriculture. These universities also conduct agricultural research on issues like agronomy and biodiversity.
Attending conferences, seminars, and trade shows and building a solid network with other farmers are helpful tips before investing money in your idea. The use of mentorship programs or work on a farm to obtain experience in agriculture would be an advantage.
3. Get Some Experience and Skills in Farming.
Agriculture is a high-risk field and rarely predictable with outsourcing impacts. so it is better to be aware of skills and hands-on experience with every single practice in a farmland
Visit a farm or community garden that captivates your interest and spend some time there. Others host labor parties or accept volunteers to help out around the farm. Try World Wide Opportunity on Organic Farming (WWOOF) as an option if you'd like to mix Farming with some travel. Many summers of employment on farms in Canada are available if you're willing to make a more significant commitment.
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4. Prepare a Farm Business Plan and Choose a Business Structure
Decide your farm business structure as a critical step to approach on a farm. It may be a solo or grouped business. But over half of all farms in Canada are owned and operated by sole proprietors. The remaining third filled up with joint ventures. Typically, these are unions between spouses or other family members. Around 17% of farms are incorporated, and once a farm crosses a certain size threshold, a financial or tax counsel will frequently advocate incorporation.
If you're considering partnering with someone to operate your business, thoroughly evaluate the responsibilities and functions of each partner
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5. Registering your farm business in Canada
The following action is to register your farm on government as an agribusiness. Mostly these processes are followed by government regulations. Here are the government department details about farmland registrations. The British North America Act of 1867 (BNA) establishes the Department of Agriculture, which specifies that each province may have jurisdiction over agricultural matters and that the Dominion Government may also adopt agrarian laws. At Confederation, the Agricultural Division of the Department of Natural Resources was responsible for Newfoundland agricultural issues.
According to the BNA, the federal government has exclusive responsibility for coastal and inland fisheries. Provinces have exclusive jurisdiction over non-tidal waters and their associated fishing activities.
6. Find a Suitable Land and Farm Equipment
Your most precious asset island, which you will invest much time and money. Ascertain that the choice you select is the best fit for you and will last the test of time. Whether you're renting or purchasing a piece of land, conduct a preliminary investigation before taking a step into it. Several websites and government sites are available for accessing farming lands and equipment in Canada, especially in Ontario.
7. Find Ways to Sell Your Products
You can select and find different methods to sell your farm products as direct marketing, through the marketing board of Canada, and as a value-added product.
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I. Direct Marketing
Direct marketing may be an option if a marketing board does not restrict your product's selling. Roadside stands or stores, pick-your-own operations, farmers' markets, urban stores, and direct customer ordering are just a few examples of common ways to do this.
II. Marketing board
Mainly some products are governed by a government marketing board, and they engage with marketing researches and promotions related to that producer's product. These methods are primarily applicable to meat, egg, milk, and grains.
III. Value Added Products
Convert your farm products into value-added products or services and promote them in direct marketing ways.
Now everything has been set up to start a new farm and agribusiness officially. One last thing is the start with your best effort and better guidance. Always keep an eye on government rules and regulation updates, market prices, and climate updates from meteorology. There would be numerous challengers at the initial point of starting your farm. Even the climate can affect production. But with better farm planning, crop rotation, soil conservation, irrigation patterns can lead your farm to wealthy farmland.
Summary
After graduation, or moving to Canada and even after bored at your workplace, you can choose a different career as a farmer in Canada. If you are interested enough to have challenges in your life as a farmer, Canada would be a better place to earn money with your hardworking. Educational support, farmer training, skill development programs, and adequate guidance for farmers secure their agriculture field as high standard agriculture farmland with quality farm production.
Yashi Jayaweera
BSc (Hons.) Agriculture
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