7 Steps to Become a Farmer in Canada
The shortage of food has made many residents in Canada try to learn how to become a farmer in Canada. Canada, among other nations, needs farmers to help produce more food for the country. For this reason, many countries are investing much in agriculture as the need for food also grows due to the pandemic. As a result, becoming a farmer in Canada has become a bit easier.
Farmers are the mainstay of the Canadian economy. They help to sustain the economy by producing food and raw materials for various industries. Without their activities, the aging population in Canada will go to extinction. So, they are very much needed in Canada to keep the economy running.
To this end, this article will help you learn everything you need about farming in Canada, how to become a farmer in Canada, the advantages of becoming a farmer in Canada, and the salary of farmers in Canada.
Who is a farmer?
Farmers are people who cultivate and nurture plants to turn them into food. They also rear animals for both human consumption and the provision of raw materials for other agro-allied industries. Most farmers farm because of their love of farming.
However, there are those who farm because of the profit from selling farm produce. Whatever your reason for trying to become a farmer in Canada. The truth is that it is a lucrative industry, especially in this age of global shortage of food.
Benefits of Farmers in Canada
Though many farmers choose the profession because of their passion for farming, others choose it just for business. So, whether you have a passion for farming or practice small-scale farming. The benefits below are for you.
1. There is an excellent prospect in farming
Farming offers a great prospect to both large-scale farmers and small-scale farmers alike. Whether you farm for your passion or your farm for a profit, farming has a great prospect for you in the future. Canada, in recent years, has been looking for farmers to help cultivate food and rear animals. Moreover, you can still export your farm produce to other countries. With this, you will expand your farm into an export company. Additionally, there are many aspects of farming to choose from. For example, you can go into food production, meat production, or producing raw materials for other industries.
2 Turn your passion into income
If you have a passion for farming, then you are gaining from two fronts. First, you do what you love, and at the same time, you earn a lot of money. Farming has turned into a lucrative global business. No farm product can be a waste, so you gain from whatever you produce. Also, since farm produce is demanded worldwide, you already have a market for your products.
3. Good salary
Farming also attracts a good salary, especially if you practice farming in large quantities. The average salary for a Farm Worker is $15.64 per hour in Canada. Learn about salaries, benefits, satisfaction, and where you could earn the most. This is for farmers who farm owners employ. With this, you can imagine what your salary can be if you own a farm in Canada.
4. Flexible work hours
Whether you are a farm owner or employed to work on a farm, you will have flexible work hours. Farming allows you time for other things, especially your family. You can decide to visit your farm two times a day. Once you have done that, you will have time to attend to other things.
How to become a farmer in Canada
Suppose you have finally decided to become a farmer in Canada. The steps below will be of great help to you.
#Step 1. Decide the type of farming to engage in
The first step to take if you want to become a farmer in Canada is to decide the type of farming you want to practice. There are two types of farming: Crop farming and livestock farming. Crop farming includes seed or grain production, citrus, berry, vineyards, vegetable, and silage. Livestock farming includes raising different types of animals. So, you can decide to opt for any form of farming under these two types.
#Step 2. Learning to farm online
These days virtually everything can be learned online, including farming. You can visit Youtube channels, Facebook pages, and other online platforms where you can learn to farm from videos released by experts. These experts own their farms or studied forming and have become masters in teaching others. The online course you enroll in depends on the type of farming you want to do.
#Step 3. Visit great farms
Yes, you have indeed attended some tremendous online lessons. However, it does not stop there. You must visit some great farms to learn what they do there. Visiting a farm will give you a practical experience of the farmer’s world. When you visit this farm, make sure you have a tour of the farm to see things for yourself. You can as well ask many questions where you are confused.
#Step 4. Find a land
This is crucial when you plan to become a farmer in Canada. There are many things to put into consideration while looking for land. First, you must ensure that the land is fertile for the farming you plan to start. Then, you will consider whether there is water around. Or the type of irrigation you want to use. Also, you will have to know the land lease act in the area.
There are many ways that you can find land for farming in Canada. You can either rent land or buy land. But make sure that the land is suitable for what you want to do.
#Step 5. Plan your business
It would help if you planned your farm business well before you started it. A business plan is essential for the success of any business, including your farm business. You can decide to run a sole proprietorship or partner with another farmer. Whatever the case, your plan will contribute significantly to your success as a farmer in Canada.
#Step 6. Register your business
Of course, you must register your business in Canada. This is very important as you will need many documents to run a legal firm in Canada. When you have successfully registered your business, you will get some documents that will authorize you to own a farm in Canada. The documents typically depend on the province where you own a farm. For instance, you must obtain a Business Registration Number and a Premise Identification Number in Ontario.
#Step 7. Start your farm business properly
Once you have successfully passed the steps below, the final step is to properly become a farmer in Canada. You now have the full right to start your farming business.
Also Read: How to Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best province to become a farmer in Canada?
Many provinces in Canada have a lot of farms. However, Ontario is the best province for farmers in Canada. Ontario alone has about 59 729 Farms. Other provinces with a large number of farms include Alberta (53, 653 Farms), Québec (32, 139 Farms), and Manitoba (21, 071 Farms)
Do I need a license to farm in Canada?
There is no license needed to farm in Canada. However, you will need some documents which will authorize you to own a farm in Canada.
Are there any grants and/or programs to help me get established in my new farm venture?
Programs and services exist to assist in many areas of a farm business. Unfortunately, Ontario has no specific government funding program to assist in establishing a new farm venture from a capital point of view; however, other programs may apply.
Where do I start, and what do I need to do?
Suppose you have conducted a self-assessment and want to pursue farming as a career. In that case, the first thing is to invest in educating yourself to determine what will be the core business of your farming operation. Next, talk to other farmers, and attend workshops, seminars, and trade shows. Finally, seek out mentorship programs or work as an employee on a farm to gain practical experience.
Where can I get training to develop the skills I need to start a farm?
A. Agricultural and business courses are available at some Ontario universities, colleges, and through industry organizations. These include business, marketing, or production courses. In addition, the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade also provides small and medium enterprises resources.
Conclusion
Farming has been a lucrative business, but since the emergence of the coronavirus, the global need for farmers has increased. Thus, farming has become highly in demand in many countries, including Canada. For this reason, it is straightforward to become a farmer in Canada to help reduce the problem of shortage of food.
