Canada boasts a wide variety of agricultural diversity, with a wide array of crops cultivated across the country providing jobs to over 250,000 people.
In the fertile plains of the Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba), wheat, barley, canola, and pulses flourish, making it the breadbasket of the nation. On the west coast, British Columbia’s mild coastal climate allows for the growth of berries, grapes, and a variety of specialty crops.
Moving eastward, the fields of Ontario and Quebec yield a bounty of corn, soybeans, fruits, and vegetables, dairy and maple syrup. The Maritimes grow potatoes, strawberries, blueberries, and fruit.
Greenhouses in urban centers and rural areas produce tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers year-round.
From the prairies to the coasts, Canada’s agricultural regions offer many crops tailored to their unique climates and environments, contributing to the nation’s vibrant agricultural tapestry.
Here’s how farming breaks down across the country sorted by highest number of farms to lowest.
Number of Farms in Canada by Province (2021)
| Province | Number of Farms | Acres of Farmland | Principal Crops |
| Ontario | 48,346 | 11.7 million | Wheat, Canola |
| Alberta | 41,505 | 49.2 million | Wheat, Barley, Canola |
| Saskatchewan | 34,128 | 60.3 million | Wheat, Canola |
| Manitoba | 14,543 | 17.1 million | Wheat, Canola |
| Quebec | 29,400 | 8.1 million | Dairy, Corn, Soybean, Syrup |
| British Columbia | 15,841 | 2.3 million | Vegetables, fruit |
| Nova Scotia | 2,741 | 720,045 | Berries, fruit |
| New Brunswick | 1,851 | 68,000 | Potatoes |
| Prince Edward Island | 1,300 | 494,210 | Potatoes |
| Newfoundland/Labrador | 400 | 49,425 | Vegetables, fruit |
| Yukon | 88 | 25,000 | Hay |
| Northwest Territories | 8 | 500 | Greenhouse vegetables |
| Nunavut | 0 | 0 | Unsuitable due to climate |
| Totals | 190,151 | 150 million |
Percentage of Farms in Canada by Province
Despite having the fourth largest amount of farmland in Canada, Ontario leads all provinces in the number of farms. Alberta follows closely in second place, with Saskatchewan and Manitoba coming in third and fourth, respectively.
Percentage of Farmland in Canada by Province
Saskatchewan takes the lead as the province with the highest amount of farmland in Canada, followed by Alberta and Manitoba, which rank second and third, respectively. Together, the prairie provinces contribute over 80% of the total farmland in the country.
For a broad overview of farming in Canada as you research which agricultural career aligns best with your skills, explore the regions where various crops are cultivated across the country.