A recent report by economist Graeme Crosbie, commissioned by a national financial institution, highlights a significant trend in Canada's food consumption patterns. Over the past two decades, Canada has increasingly relied on imported food, reducing its reliance on domestically produced goods.
At the turn of the century, Canadian-produced food accounted for 80% of total consumption, a figure that has now dropped to 70% by 2015, according to the analysis. This shift underscores a notable change in Canada's food sourcing strategy.
Interestingly, while Canada has reduced its reliance on imported fresh vegetables and fruits, such as nectarines, which once covered 20% of consumption but now make up less than 5%, this trend is accompanied by a 60% increase in Canadian nectarine production and shifting consumer preferences.
Import rates for certain food items remain high, with potatoes, nectarines, and celery imported at rates four, almost four, and 3.5 times higher than their respective consumption levels. Similarly, vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, asparagus, beans, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower are imported at rates two to three times their consumption. Fruits such as apricots, blueberries, cherries, and peaches are imported at approximately double the consumption rate. Onions, apples, and corn also see significant import shares, covering nearly half of Canada's consumption.
Conversely, Canada surpasses domestic consumption levels in several categories through exports, including peppers, radishes, white potatoes, cranberries, cucumbers, and mushrooms. Notably, cucumber exports are double local consumption levels, while mushroom exports match domestic consumption.
However, the report points out declines in Canadian production across various food categories. There has been a 35% reduction in parsnip and turnip production, an 18% decrease in peaches and carrots, and a 16% decline in corn production. Smaller declines, under 10%, were observed in the production of beans, cauliflower, celery, cabbage, and apples.
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