Western Canada’s largest agricultural event, the Pacific Agriculture Show, is set to highlight career opportunities in the sector as it returns to Abbotsford’s Tradex Centre from January 22 to 24. The event brings together farmers, producers, and students for three days of networking and education, with a particular focus on agriculture as a modern, technology-driven field offering stable career prospects.
The emphasis on career opportunities comes as Canada faces a growing labour gap in the agricultural industry. According to the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council, the domestic labour gap in agriculture is expected to grow by 15% by 2030, reaching over 100,000 unfilled positions. Nearly 30% of the current agricultural workforce is expected to retire by the end of the decade.
“We’ve seen how artificial intelligence is taking over skilled roles in nearly every industry, making it challenging for the next generation to find a future-proof career,” said Jim Shepard, the show’s producer. “BC is crafting a new lens around agriculture as a long-term career.”
The show will feature post-secondary institutions addressing the labour gap head-on. The University of the Fraser Valley, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, UBC, and Simon Fraser University will all exhibit at the event, showcasing agri-tech programs designed to prepare students for careers in precision farming, agricultural technology, and food systems management.
Renee Prasad, an associate professor in UFV’s Agriculture Technology Department, said it’s rewarding to see program graduates return to the show as industry professionals, now building careers in the field where they once learned.
The event brings together over 300 exhibitors, including the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, BC Agriculture Council, Organic BC, BC Dairy Association, and Farm Credit Canada. Shepard emphasized the show as an opportunity for both young people exploring career options and professionals considering a pivot into agriculture.
Family programming will also return on Saturday, including a petting zoo and face painting, reinforcing the show’s community focus.
The Pacific Agriculture Show’s focus on career opportunities in agriculture is a timely and important initiative. As the industry faces a growing labour gap, it is crucial to highlight the stable and rewarding career prospects that the sector offers. The event’s emphasis on technology and innovation also reflects the evolving nature of the industry, which is increasingly driven by data and precision farming techniques.
For young people exploring career options, the Pacific Agriculture Show offers a valuable opportunity to learn about the industry and connect with potential employers. For professionals considering a pivot into agriculture, the event provides a chance to explore new career paths and gain insights into the latest trends and technologies in the sector.
Overall, the Pacific Agriculture Show is an important event for anyone interested in the future of agriculture in Western Canada. By highlighting the industry’s career opportunities and showcasing the latest innovations and technologies, the event is helping to shape the future of agriculture and ensure its continued growth and success.