A new report says a third of all agriculture jobs in Canada could be automated within the next decade. A farmer drives a combine to harvest a wheat crop near Cremona, Alta., Monday, Sept. 18, 2023. (Photo: Canadian Press)

By Canadian Press

Technology set to replace many jobs in agri-food sector over next decade: report

Jul 31, 2024 | 10:13 AM

A new report says a third of all agriculture jobs in Canada could be automated within the next decade.

The report from the Conference Board of Canada says that’s alongside a fifth of jobs in food and beverage manufacturing which could also become automated.

Alain Francq, director of innovation and technology at the organization, says automation and digital technology are revolutionizing Canada’s agri-food sector.

The tech brings with it unprecedented opportunities for growth and innovation, Francq says, but also significant implications for the industry’s labour force.

The Conference Board report says routine, repetitive tasks are expected to become automated, which will replace a substantial portion of human labour in agriculture.

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However, the increasing use of technology in the sector will mean growing demand for data scientists, software engineers and other kinds of higher-tech roles.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 31, 2024.