University of Guelph

Ontario Agriculture College

Agriculture Industry

The agriculture industry includes a vast array of professions and sectors. From seed crops, to animal feed, grain farming to animal rearing and processing, the Canadian agriculture industry is part not only of our national heritage, but also plays a role in the global food supply chain. When we hear “agriculture” many people think of the quintessential “farmer” out tilling their fields. While they are a part of the big picture, the Canadian agriculture industry also encompasses geneticists, research technicians, nutritionists and many more. The agriculture industry of today is under immense strain to supply a global population approaching 9 billion, while still conserving resources, respecting the environment, and maintaining animal welfare. How might you help in addressing some of these challenges?

CHALLENGE STATEMENTS

Limited Knowledge

The general population has a very limited knowledge of how the different sectors of agriculture function and interact. However, news and social media aren’t always reliable sources of unbiased information. How can the industry increase its transparency and help to educate people on what is really happening out there in the wide world of farming? What programs or incentives can be implemented to improve knowledge of the sector?

Career Choice

Of the multitude of young people graduating university, college, and high school each year, only a very small percent of them choose to follow a career in food and agriculture. How do you think the industry could better gain the attention and interest of the younger demographic?

Industry Sustainability

The demand for increased productivity has pushed agriculture into an industrialized sector reliant on large scale machinery and processing operations. Unfortunately, this means that the price of many grocery store items is tied directly to that of oil costs, and the environmental impact is quite significant. Are there ways in which we can reduce the reliance of agriculture on fossil fuels while also boosting sustainability?

Land Use Management

Intensive fertilizers are often used to combat nutrient depletion and soil degradation. Unfortunately, runoff has negative impacts on local water ways and regional water sheds. Are there ways in which land can be managed so as to reduce the impact of fertilizers on the environment?

Urban Farming

When we think of farming it is often on as a vast, large scale operation. Can people in highly populated areas take part in smaller scale, personal farming projects? How can cities and towns open the doors to urban farming?

Mentorship

for one of the challenge statements above may be arranged by contacting oacliasn@uoguelph.ca

Resources:

Where can you go to find out more locally? https://where.ca/ontario/toronto/agritourism-ontario-discover-where-good-things-grow/

Canadians Want to Know More! https://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/features/research-finds-canadians-want-to-learn-about-agriculture/

Ask a Farmer! https://realfarmlives.ca/what-is-agriculture/

Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/ag.html

Learn More About:

The Ontario Agriculture College at the University of Guelph https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/academics/agriculture

Animal Research Centres https://www.uoguelph.ca/alliance/research-facilities/research-centres/animal-research-centres

Canadian Grain Farm Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyF6RW0vY7I

Canadian Pig Farm Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7SijUQBGfM

University of Guelph Website

Didn't Find A Challenge Here that Inspires You?

Go to the Open-Ended Challenges or Create Your Own Challenge with the Support of your Sector Mentor / Supervisor & your Teacher.

CHALLENGE STATEMENT FOUND

Agriculture Sector Challenges

Sector Challenge Page

Challenge Found