About the time of Confederation, wheat was probably the most important crop in Canada’s food system. Which crop does Canada currently produce and export – or sell to other countries – more than any other country in the world?

crops in the food system

The main field crops grown in Canada include wheat, canola, barley, corn and soybeans. Other crops include rye, oats, white beans and mixed grains. Several specialty crops, which are limited to a very small area of land, are also grown in different regions across Canada. 

Crops grown vary depending on the specific growing conditions of each region as well as on farmers’ needs. Some farmers grow crops specifically to sell them. These farmers are called “cash crop” farmers. Many livestock farmers grow crops as well. These crops can then be harvested and used to feed the animals on the farm. If production is higher than what the farm requires, excess crops can be marketed and sold.

• The crop grown with the largest acreage in Canada is wheat, followed by canola.
• Corn and wheat are widely grown across the country.
• Soybeans are found mostly in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba while canola is grown mainly in Western Canada.
• In Ontario, corn is the most common field crop, while in the western provinces, wheat is the most common.
• Canada’s malt barley is top quality, making Canada the second largest exporter of malt world-wide.
• Grain and oilseeds can be found in products we use every day around the home and office.
• Sugar is a product that is bought and sold just like wheat, barley and other essential raw food ingredients. Sugar beets are grown in specific areas of Ontario and Alberta.
• There is only one sugar beet processor in Canada – Rogers Sugar Factory – found in Taber, Alberta. If you see a black stamp on a bag that starts with the number 22, it was processed in Alberta. Alberta Sugar Beet Growers refer to it as #absugar22. 
• Canada is the world’s largest exporter of pulses. Pulse crops contain nutrients found in both the vegetable and meat food groups, including significant protein, fibre, folate, iron and other minerals.

In what ways do you think the foods that come from these crops have changed over time? What foods have remained the same over time? How could you communicate this information in an infographic?