According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the agriculture and food sector creates $130 billion in economic impact each year. Many Canadians many not be aware that the Canadian Agriculture industry is among one of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced in the world.

"For agriculture producers, the marketplace is moving more quickly than ever before," said Gwen Paddock, head, Agriculture and Agribusiness, RBC. "Canada's agriculture industry is not only productive and dynamic; it is evolving to meet the changing needs of Canadian consumers and trade partners, in addition to the rest of society."

RBC highlights three key areas where agriculture and agri-business is evolving:

• Canadian agriculture is innovative. In 2010, the $5.6 billion in farm sales from canola surpassed sales of wheat -- by 60 per cent. Canola is just one example of Canada's agricultural inventiveness. The tremendous growth of the greenhouse industry and the coast-to-coast success of Canada's wine industry, are just a few of the many achievements.
• Canadian agriculture is diversifying - There are as many ways to farm as there are farmers. Some succeed by growing vast quantities and capturing economies of scale, while others produce small amounts of premium, branded food products. Think about the growth of organic agriculture, farm-direct marketing, agri-tourism and energy generation for the grid from agricultural by-products.
• Canadian agriculture is renewing - A 2011 study by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada found that eight per cent of Canadian farms can be described as "young farmer enterprises". Farms led by younger operators tend to be larger, more successful than the average farm and are well-distributed across farm sectors.

For more information please visit www.rbcroyalbank.com/agriculture.

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