Agriculture labour shortage takes centre stage at Abbotsford show

Western Canada's largest agricultural event is putting careers front and centre this year as the industry works to fill a growing labour gap.

The Pacific Agriculture Show returns to Abbotsford's Tradex Centre from January 22 to 24, bringing together farmers, producers, and students for three days of networking and education. This year's focus is on agriculture as a modern, technology-driven field offering stable career opportunities—a shift organizers say is critical as Canada faces widespread labour shortages.

"We've seen how artificial intelligence is taking over skilled roles in nearly every industry, making it challenging for the next generation to find a future-proof career," said Jim Shepard, the show's producer. "BC is crafting a new lens around agriculture as a long-term career."

According to the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council, the domestic labour gap in agriculture will grow by 15% by 2030, reaching over 100,000 unfilled positions. Nearly 30% of the current agricultural workforce is expected to retire by the end of the decade.

The show will feature post-secondary institutions addressing that gap head-on. The University of the Fraser Valley, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, UBC, and Simon Fraser University will all exhibit at the event, showcasing agri-tech programs designed to prepare students for careers in precision farming, agricultural technology, and food systems management.

Renee Prasad, an associate professor in UFV's Agriculture Technology Department, said it's rewarding to see program graduates return to the show as industry professionals, now building careers in the field where they once learned.

The event brings together over 300 exhibitors, including the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, BC Agriculture Council, Organic BC, BC Dairy Association, and Farm Credit Canada. Shepard emphasized the show as an opportunity for both young people exploring career options and professionals considering a pivot into agriculture.

Family programming will also return on Saturday, including a petting zoo and face painting, reinforcing the show's community focus.