Canada’s agricultural roots run deep, with a history built on the traditions of farming families. For generations, the land was not just a means of livelihood but a source of pride passed down from one generation to the next, with many families tracing their traditions back to their original homesteads.
Today, however, the face of Canadian agriculture looks quite different, with fewer young people stepping up to the mantle. The children of farmers, once the inheritors of the land, are increasingly drawn to urban areas, leaving the farms they grew up on behind in favor of what many argue is an easier existence.
The challenge is clear: the number of new farmers entering the industry is not sufficient to sustain the existing farms across North America, and consequentially ensure adequate food production.
This shift toward high-tech farming may offer a solution. While farming remains labour-intensive, advancements have made the day-to-day operations of running a farm more comfortable and efficient, with new technologies assisting farmers and streamlining production. Modern farmers use air-conditioned, GPS-equipped combines, and software programs that guide planting, purchasing, and marketing decisions. Although their numbers are smaller, those entering the field today often approach farming from an academic standpoint, with many holding degrees in agriculture, soil science, or related disciplines.
These new farmers are not just academically inclined; they are also highly idealistic. A back-to-the-land philosophy has motivated many people to return to the farm, viewing it as a way to contribute positively to the ecosystem, and the economy.
“When I started my hobby farm, I wasn’t looking for a new career,” says Ancaster, Ontario farm owner Stephen Gleave. Gleave has a law practice in Toronto and purchased the farm to fulfill a lifelong dream. “I fell in love with working the land in Ancaster and embraced the slower, yet steady pace of life farming offered.”
For these new entrants, values like sustainability and environmental stewardship take center stage. While farming was once driven primarily by necessity, today’s young farmers often choose the lifestyle that aligns with their commitment to preserving the planet.
“I’m part of a community that not only appreciates stewardship but wants to encourage children and young adults to engage with nature in a new way,” Gleave continues. “For example, beekeeping, or animal husbandry, is an integral part of the ecosystem and offers a hands-on experience for visitors to my farm.”
Gleave says he’s always been drawn to practices like organic farming and even urban gardening, which he practiced when he lived in Hamilton. “The difference is that I see these things as more than a pastime, rather than a way to provide healthy, sustainable food for my family and my community.”
Technological advancements, along with government initiatives supporting agriculture, can change the game. Young farmers now can make choices—about which crops to plant, the scale of their operations, and the methods they use—without sacrificing their ideals. As more research into sustainable agriculture finds its way into mainstream conversation, farmers will reap the benefits. This ability needs to be nurtured and allowed to flourish to build a sustainable food production pipeline for the future.
Initiatives to support young farmers—whether through education, financial assistance, or access to land—are crucial for ensuring that farming remains an appealing and viable career path. “I’d love to see further collaboration between professionals and farmers that could lead to advancement in the space,” shares Gleave. “Corporate offices could take a day out of regular work to visit a farm, encouraging employees to ground themselves and have a mental health break all while working the land. If businesses and professional organizations feel an emotional connection to farming, I believe we can ensure that the land remains in the hands of those who are committed to nurturing it and that the tradition of the family farm continues to play a role in Canada’s future.”
