thinkAG > Food Systems

What is the food system?

The Food System is all the activities involving the production, processing, transportation, and consumption of agricultural goods. In other words, it's the movement of farming goods from production level to the final consumer – all of us.

The food system is big and complex – which means people from different backgrounds with unique interests and skillsets are the reason our food system can survive and thrive. There’s strength in diversity – and all jobs along the system are important.

Do you want the important job of helping bring food to the tables of Canadians – and others around the world?

Time to Explore!

Swipe left and right to learn about the cycle from Research and Development to Education and Advocacy. Then, check out the info below to discover careers that would suit you best.

Research and Development

Health, Safety and Environment

Technology, Sales and Support Services

Production

Marketing and Selling of Primary Products

Transportation and Distribution

Processing and Manufacturing

Retail & Food Services

Preparation and Consumption

Education and Advocacy

Research and Development

Why is this important?

Agriculture lets us discover new and improved ways to grow food. The research that is done in this industry leads to new developments that help keep our environment and natural resources safe.

What careers are in this area?

Health, Safety and Environment

Why is this important?

Professionals in this area make sure that decisions in the agriculture industry are made with safety and sustainability in mind. This includes the well-being of all living things - people, animals, and the environment. Not only does this help businesses act responsibly, but it also means that Canadians can trust the food they eat and the products they use.

What careers are in this area?

Technology, Sales and Support Services

Why is this important?

From the invention of the plow to global positioning system (GPS) driven tractors, technology has always played an important role in agriculture. Modern equipment helps farmers grow more food, more efficiently; having skilled people to create and service this technology is a critical part of today’s agriculture industry.

What careers are in this area?

Production

Why is this important?

This is where food is grown, raised, and produced. Farmers and ranchers provide us with goods that we benefit from throughout our day - from the food we eat, to the clothes we wear... even the fuel that keeps our lives running smoothly! Agriculture has an important role to play in shaping our environment, and today’s farmers keep the health of our planet in mind with every decision they make.

What careers are in this area?

Marketing and Selling of Primary Products

Why is this important?

Products would be far less valuable if no one knew they existed! That’s why an entire section of our food production system is responsible for connecting people who have goods to sell with those who want to buy them.

What careers are in this area?

Transportation and Distribution

Why is this important?

Food and other agricultural goods go on a journey from the farm, to processors, to stores - and finally, to you! Transportation workers make this journey possible. These professionals are the link in our food system that allow all Canadians to access the products they rely on.

What careers are in this area?

Processing and Manufacturing

Why is this important?

This is where raw goods get turned into sellable products. Some goods just need washing or packaging, while others need specific equipment to turn them into the forms that we know and love. Whether this stage is simple or complex, skilled workers in the processing world are an important step in making sure that products are safe and ready to consume.

What careers are in this area?

Retail and Food Services

Why is this important?

Products need to get to consumers like you, and retailers are the people that make it happen. Workers in these roles are responsible for bringing in large amounts of products and selling them to the public at various prices.

What careers are in this area?

Preparation and Consumption

Why is this important?

This is the step that gives people a great food experience. Workers in these roles are passionate about creating amazing food, and love to share that passion with Canadians. These professionals are the reason we don’t just have to eat, we want to eat!

What careers are in this area?

Education and Advocacy

Why is this important?

The agriculture industry needs a voice - and professionals in education and advocacy are that voice. These people have a responsibility to share the truth about food and farming, as well as make sure that Canadians trust in and are proud of the decisions made by the industry. This area of our food system is especially important as society becomes more distanced from farming and food production, since the majority of people today do not live anywhere near a farm.