Canadian Agriculture at a Glance
Innovation and healthy living propel growth in certain other crops

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by Matthew Shumsky

Release date: March 22, 2018

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Canadian farms are looking to grow profits by tapping into consumer trends geared toward healthy lifestyles.

With more emphasis placed on health-conscious agricultural products, farm operations are focusing on certain varieties of what’s known as “other crops” to try to meet consumer needs.

Typical field crops include wheat, oats and barley; while, apples, pears and plums are but a few examples of typical census fruit crops. Typical vegetable crops include varieties like sweet corn, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

In contrast, agricultural products such as caraway seed, hemp, lavender and coriander fall under “other field crops”, while examples of “other fruit crops” include agricultural products such as hazelnuts, currants and blackberries. Products such as herbs, rhubarb and melons, in turn, are examples of “other vegetable crops”.

The “other” commodities are collected by the Census program using write-in fields, which are then coded and grouped into similar product classes. This approach may result in the underreporting of some specific fields where producers have reported this production in a non-specific fashion. This article serves to highlight some of the popular “other” agricultural products and their development over the 2011-to-2016 intercensal period.

Other field crops

Known for its gluten-free composition and high protein content, quinoa saw sharp growth in crop area since 2011. Farms reporting quinoa saw total crop area increase in size from 312 acres in 2011 to 11,868 acres in 2016 (Chart 1).

Data table for Chart 1

Data table for Chart 1
Chart 1
Other field crop area totals, Canada, 2011 and 2016
Table summary
This table displays the results of Other field crop area totals. The information is grouped by Other field crop (appearing as row headers), 2011 and 2016, calculated using acres units of measure (appearing as column headers).
Other field crop 2011 2016
acres
Spelt 10,526 15,958
Quinoa 312 11,868
Hops 97 789
Fenugreek 414 2,809
Camelina 1,161 2,703
Hemp 25,937 45,245

While quinoa’s predominant culinary usage is similar to rice, it also appears as an ingredient in pasta, breakfast cereals, snack foods, and baked goods.

The number of farms reporting quinoa also increased dramatically, rising from eight operations in 2011 to 118 in 2016.

During that same period, farms reporting fenugreek, an annual plant whose seeds are used for its medicinal benefits in treating digestive disorders, experienced similar growth. Fenugreek crop area grew almost seven times between 2011 and 2016, pushing total area from 414 acres to 2,809 acres (Chart 1).

An added benefit of fenugreek is its various culinary applications. While its seeds can be used in items such as curries, chutneys or ground into spices, its leaves can also be used in small quantities as flavouring herbs. Also, its seeds can be refined to produce essential oils for confectionary flavouring.

While hops are most normally associated with beer production, this “other field crop” is also used as a medicinal herb to help digestion and reduce tension. The total area of hops under cultivation grew from 97 acres in 2011 to 789 acres in 2016 (Chart 1).

Of note, total beer sales of Canadian products by value (data in thousands of Canadian dollars) steadily increased from $7,331,092 in 2011 to $7,568,616 by 2016.Note 1

Farms reporting “other field crops”, such as camelina and spelt, experienced positive growth as well.

Spelt is a form of wheat and a large proportion of it is grown under organic production methods for specialty markets. Farms reporting spelt crops totalled 15,958 acres in 2016, up from 10,526 acres in 2011 (Chart 1).

While fenugreek experienced a faster area growth than camelina since 2011, the total acreage of the two crops in 2016 was similar. Farms reporting fenugreek crops totalled 2,809 acres, while camelina amassed 2,703 acres in crop area (Chart 1).  

Camelina has been garnering attention over the past few years, buoyed by its use as a healthy, edible oil. This oilseed crop is a good source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are proven to help lower high-blood pressure and cholesterol.

Camelina usage is not confined to strictly health-related endeavours. It is also utilized as fish food, as a lubricant, and has the potential to be used as a source of biofuel.

Another emerging “other field crop” which has seen strong growth is industrial hemp.

The number of farms reporting industrial hemp has increased from 132 in 2011 to 224 in 2016. During that same period, crop area expanded from 25,937 acres to 45,245 acres (Chart 1).

While both hemp and marijuana come from the same Cannabis Sativa plant, it is important to note that hemp produces low amounts (less than 0.3%) of Tetrahydrocannabino (THC), the ingredient in marijuana which has psychoactive effects.

Contrary to hemp’s association with marijuana, this “other field crop” boasts numerous nutraceutical benefits. Hemp oil contains high amounts of Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids that help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Hemp seeds, which are small nuts, possess essential amino acids which aid in muscle control, as well as brain and nerve function.

In addition to its medicinal benefits, industrial hemp offers various functional purposes. Hemp fibres are known for their strength and flexibility, making the plant an ideal bio-composite for automotive and aerospace parts. Moreover, hemp fibres are also quite absorbent, which can aid in oil and gas cleanups.

Other fruit crops

Haskap and other berry crops experienced a substantial increase in the number of producers.

From 2011 to 2016, the number of farms reporting haskaps and other berry crops tripled, increasing to 549 participating farms.

Growth in this “other fruit crop” may be attributed to innovative scientific research, which has helped identify the haskap plant as a viable crop because of its ability to withstand frigid Canadian temperatures.

In addition to its winter hardiness, haskaps can be beneficial to one’s health. Its berries are high in both antioxidants and vitamins.

Another indication of the interest in haskaps and other berries, is its increase in crop area from 2011 to 2016. Farms reporting haskaps and other berries grew from 557 acres in 2011 to a crop area of 1,761 acres in 2016 (Chart 2).

Data table for Chart 2

Data table for Chart 2
Chart 2
Other fruit crop area totals, Canada, 2011 and 2016
Table summary
This table displays the results of Other fruit crop area totals. The information is grouped by Other fruit crop (appearing as row headers), 2011 and 2016, calculated using acres units of measure (appearing as column headers).
Other fruit crop 2011 2016
acres
Haskap and other berries 556.6 1,761.1
Sea buckthorn 332.7 520.3
Gooseberries 32.0 41.9
Kiwi 63.5 57.5
Currants 504.0 427.2

There was also a sizeable increase in the number of farms growing sea buckthorn. Known for its pharmaceutical applications in skin therapy, farms reporting sea buckthorn doubled between 2011 and 2016, to total 126 farms.

Not only was it being grown on more farms, but the area devoted to the crop also rose 56.4% between 2011 and 2016 for a total crop area of 520 acres (Chart 2).

In addition to it medicinal roles sea buckthorn serves a number of food uses. Its berries can produce juices that are high in vitamins and protein, while its leaves can be steeped to produce a nutritional tea.

An emerging “other fruit crop” which is gaining attention is the northern kiwi. A close relative to the fuzzy kiwi (kiwi fruit), this northern variation has proven to be hardy enough to be grown in a Canadian climate.

The number of agricultural operations growing kiwi crops has increased by 25.0% from 2011 to 2016, boosting the total number of farms to 45. The area under cultivation for kiwis decreased slightly, falling from 64 to 58 acres during that same period. Known mainly as a fresh fruit, kiwis are also being utilized for their ornamental qualities (Chart 2).

There was a similar pattern among farms growing currants. The number of producers rose 18.6% between 2011 and 2016 to 350 operations. At the same time, the crop area devoted to currants decreased from 504 acres in 2011 to 427 acres in 2016. Currants are also known for their adaptability, making it hardy enough to be grown in various garden soils (Chart 2).

Gooseberries are also reputed for adaptability and hardiness with its flowers being frost tolerant and its berries being able to withstand sub-zero temperatures. The number of farms reporting gooseberries grew by more than 50.0% between 2011 and 2016, increasing the total farm count to 90. Crop area for farms reporting gooseberries also increased from 32 acres to 42 acres during that same period (Chart 2).

Currants and gooseberries can be used for food products like jams, jellies, pies and other desserts. Black currants, specifically, are rich in vitamin C and are used in juices.

Other vegetable crops

Canadian producers have taken notice of kale’s ascent to ‘superfood’ supremacy. The leafy-green’s nutritional benefits have helped build a burgeoning consumer demand, a demand farmers are obliging.

From 2011 to 2016, the Census of Agriculture reported an almost five-time increase in kale crop area, pushing the total to 448 acres (Table 1).

Table 1
Other vegetable crop area, Canada, 2011 and 2016
Table summary
This table displays the results of Other vegetable crop area. The information is grouped by Other vegetable crop (appearing as row headers), Area, Change, 2011 and 2016, calculated using acres and percent units of measure (appearing as column headers).
Other vegetable crop Area Change
2011 2016
acres percent
Chinese vegetables 2,058 2,356 14.5
Garlic 1,290 2,207 71.1
Sweet potato 1,418 1,776 25.2
Kale 92 448 389.9

Over that same period, the number of farms reporting kale more than tripled to a total of 265 agricultural operations, up from 82 agricultural operations in 2011 (Table 2).

Table 2
Number of agricultural operations reporting other vegetable crops, Canada, 2011 and 2016
Table summary
This table displays the results of Number of agricultural operations reporting other vegetable crops. The information is grouped by Other vegetable crop (appearing as row headers), Agricultural operations, Change, 2011 and 2016, calculated using number and percent units of measure (appearing as column headers).
Other vegetable crop Agricultural operations Change
2011 2016
number percent
Chinese vegetables 83 98 18.1
Garlic 1,315 2,251 71.2
Sweet potato 195 65 -66.7
Kale 82 265 223.2

Sweet potato crops saw growth in area as well, with farms reporting an increase of 25.2%, bumping the crop's area to 1,776 acres (Table 1).

Sweet potatoes are known for their nutritional benefits, as they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. They also contain iron, which can aid in strengthening immune systems.

Of note, while farms reporting sweet potato crops experienced growth in total area, from 2011 to 2016, the number of participating agricultural operations fell by 66.7% during that same period to a total of 65 (Table 2).

Trends in data from farms reporting sweet potato crops mirror patterns displayed in the Canadian agriculture industry as a whole. The results of the 2016 Census of Agriculture indicate that while, in general, there are fewer farms in 2016, the farms are typically larger than in 2011.Note 2

Amongst “other vegetable crops”, farms reporting garlic also experienced notable growth in the number of producers from 2011 to 2016. The number of garlic producing farms grew by 71.2% to a total of 2,251 agricultural operations (Table 2). While garlic is reputed for its food uses, it is also a source of value-added medicinal products. The vegetable is known to contain allicin, a natural antibiotic which can help treat cholesterol, improve circulation and increase immunity. It is also becoming common practice for garlic to be distributed and sold as a form of herbal supplements in capsules, tablets and liquid extracts.

Direct marketing

There is a varying range in the use of direct marketing activities among “other vegetable and fruit crops”. Farms reporting gooseberries had a direct marketing participation rate of 77.8% which was more than double the 34.7% direct marketing rate among farms reporting Chinese vegetables (Table 3).

Table 3
Direct marketing use by agricultural operations reporting other crops, Canada, 2016
Table summary
This table displays the results of Direct marketing use by agricultural operations reporting other crops. The information is grouped by Other Crop (appearing as row headers), Direct Marketing Participation, calculated using percent units of measure (appearing as column headers).
Other crop Direct marketing participation
percent
Gooseberries 77.8
Currants 76.0
Garlic 75.5
Kale 75.1
Kiwi 66.7
Sweet potato 63.1
Haskaps and other berries 56.5
Sea buckthorn 49.2
Chinese vegetables 34.7
Spelt 27.3
Camelina 16.7
Quinoa 13.6
Fenugreek 9.1
Hemp (industrial) 4.9

A number of “other fruit and vegetable crops” generally fall in line with industry trends. According to the 2016 Census of Agriculture, four in five fruit and vegetable combination farms use direct marketing.Note 3 Farms reporting currants reported a direct marketing rate of 76.0%, while those reporting garlic had a direct marketing usage rate of 75.5%; farms reporting kale came in slightly lower at 75.1% (Table 3).

Farms reporting “other field crops” such as spelt, camelina, quinoa, fenugreek and hemp had significantly lower rates of direct marketing use in comparison to their “other fruit and vegetable” counterparts. This is largely due to the practice that “other field crops” are typically harvested and sent to a processor to be made into consumer products, rather than directly marketed.

Provincial breakdown of other crop area

Production of certain crops is very province-centric. Take fenugreek for example, of the 2,809 acres reported in 2016, 100% of the crop area was reported in Saskatchewan. Similarly, 98.8% of the 1,776 acres of sweet potatoes reported were located in Ontario (Table 4).

Other crops by contrast, such as garlic, can be found across several provinces in varying proportions. For instance, just over a quarter of the crop area devoted to garlic was in Quebec, slightly higher than British Columbia at 22.0%. Ontario had the largest area of garlic crop production, with farms in that province reporting 44.2% of the 2,207 acres of garlic in Canada (Table 4).

Table 4
Other crop area totals, Canada and provinces, 2016
Table summary
This table displays the results of Other crop area totals. The information is grouped by Other Crop (appearing as row headers), Canada , Newfoundland and Labrador , Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, calculated using acres units of measure (appearing as column headers).
Other crop Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia New Brunswick Quebec Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta British Columbia
acres
Fenugreek 2,809 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,809 0 0
Spelt 15,958 0 68 0 0 3,435 7,365 1,122 2,851 818 299
Quinoa 11,868 0 0 0 0 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 352 905 9,525 1,042 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act
Camelina 2,703 0 0 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 0 246 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 2,211 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 0
Hemp (industrial) 45,245 0 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 0 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 2,149 732 12,929 13,329 15,689 296
Hops 789 0 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 22 13 101 175 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 3 454
Gooseberries 42 0S 1 2 2 24 8 1 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 1
Currants 427 5 30 10 3 142 73 5 46 62 52
Sea buckthorn 520 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 0 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 0 365 30 42 41 31 8
Kiwi 58 0 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 0 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 12 0 0 0 40
Haskaps and other berries 1,761 2 12 195 74 655 148 26 341 169 139
Garlic 2,207 5 6 31 17 582 976 18 18 69 485
Kale 448 1 1 20 2 19 328 16 2 4 58
Sweet potato 1,776 0 4 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 3 1,755 2 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 0 5
Chinese vegetables 2,356 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 0 0 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 6 1,953 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 0 1 395

Export analysis

Export totals for numerous “other crops” vary considerably from 2011 to 2016. While the total export for sweet potatoes, true hemp, and kale and other similar edible brassicas increased, “other crops” such as garlic and kiwi fruit saw their export totals decline over the same period.

Export totals for sweet potatoes increased by more than three times whereas kale and other similar edible brassicas export totals grew at a rate of 92.8% from 2011 to 2016 (Table 5).

By contrast, garlic export totals declined from $624,926 in 2011 to $583,616 in 2016 (Table 5).

Table 5
Other crop export totals, Canada, 2011 and 2016
Table summary
This table displays the results of Other crop export totals. The information is grouped by Other crop (appearing as row headers), 2011 and 2016, calculated using dollars units of measure (appearing as column headers).
Other crop 2011 2016
dollars
Sweet potatoes 4,854,708 17,062,982
Black, white, or red currants and gooseberries Note ..: not available for a specific reference period 132,960
Garlic 624,926 583,616
True hemp; tow and waste of true hemp 35,415 137,386
Cabbages, kohlrabi, kale and other similar edible brassicas 29,849,514 57,540,228
Kiwi 21,845 4,425
Quinoa Note ..: not available for a specific reference period 4,424,715

Historical analysis

While the central focus of this article compares ‘other crop’ data between 2011 and 2016, it is important to analyze data further back to provide a more comprehensive data story.

The area of fenugreek has steadily risen over the past four censuses. Between 2001 and 2006, farms reporting fenugreek saw a crop area increase of 105 acres. By 2011, farms reporting fenugreek experienced another increase, growing by 130 acres from 2006. The prevailing trend carried over into 2016, as farms reporting fenugreek observed an increase of 2,395 acres in crop area (Table 6).

While the area under cultivation for farms reporting kale rose dramatically between 2011 and 2016, looking back to 2001 and 2006 shows only a modest 10-acre rise. Between 2006 and 2011, crop area for farms reporting kale increased by nearly 17 acres, larger than the 2001 to 2006 increase, but much smaller than the 357 acres of crop area growth which took place between 2011 and 2016. This data pattern reinforces the narrative that kale’s popularity is a relatively new phenomenon (Table 6).

An additional “other vegetable crop” whose crop area has increased over the past 15 years is the sweet potato. Historical data for farms reporting sweet potatoes indicates increases in crop area over the previous four censuses. Crop area for sweet potatoes increased by 597 acres between 2001 and 2006, and by 659 acres between 2006 and 2011. This trend continued into 2016 with crop area increasing by 358 acres for sweet potato producers compared with the 2011 Census (Table 6).

An emerging trend within “other fruit crops” is the crop area growth for farms reporting sea buckthorn. From 2006 to 2011, the area under cultivation for farms reporting sea buckthorn increased by 127 acres. This trend continued into 2016, as farms reporting sea buckthorn observed a 188-acre increase in crop area from 2011 (Table 6).

Table 6
Other crop area totals, Canada, 2001 to 2016
Table summary
This table displays the results of Other crop area totals. The information is grouped by Other crop (appearing as row headers), 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016, calculated using acres units of measure (appearing as column headers).
Other crop 2001 2006 2011 2016
acres
Fenugreek 179 284 414 2,809
Spelt 6,939 10,886 10,526 15,958
Quinoa 313 Note x: suppressed to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act 312 11,868
Garlic 1,742 759 1,290 2,207
Kale 65 75 92 448
Sweet potato 162 759 1,418 1,776
Sea buckthorn Note ..: not available for a specific reference period 206 333 520

Conclusion

It is clear that changes in particular “other crop” data may be reflective of how producers are selecting and focusing on particular crop varieties in an effort to accommodate the evolving needs of consumers.

Whether it be through the introduction of novel “other crops” (i.e. northern kiwi) or by capitalizing on healthy living trends (i.e. quinoa, haskap, and kale), agricultural operations are proving to be innovative and adaptive.  

Terms

Other field crops: Includes all field crops produced on agricultural operations except, wheat, oats, barley, mixed grains, corn, rye, canola, soybeans, flaxseed, dry field peas, chick peas, lentils, dry white beans, other dry beans, alfalfa, tame hay and fodder crops, forage seed, potatoes, mustard seed, sunflowers, canary seed, ginseng, buckwheat, sugar beets, and triticale. Some examples of “other field crops” include (but are not limited to) quinoa, hops, fenugreek, oil radish, camelina and spelt.

Other fruit crops: Includes all fruit crops produced on agricultural operations except, apples, pears, plums and prunes, sweet and sour cherries, peaches, apricots, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries, and saskatoons. Some examples of “other fruit crops” include (but are not limited to) currants, kiwis, nuts, gooseberries, sea buckthorn, haskaps and other berries.

Other vegetable crops: Includes all vegetable crops produced on agricultural operations except, sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peas, green and wax beans, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, rutabagas and turnips, beets, radishes, shallots and green onions, dry onions, celery, lettuce, spinach, peppers, pumpkins, squash and zucchini, and asparagus. Some examples of “other vegetable crops” include (but are not limited to) chinese vegetables, kale, sweet potato and garlic.

Census farm: An agricultural operation that produces at least one of the following products intended for sale:

  • crops: hay, field crops, tree fruits or nuts, berries or grapes, vegetables, seed
  • livestock: cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, game animals, other livestock
  • poultry: hens, chickens, turkeys, chicks, game birds, other poultry
  • animal products: milk or cream, eggs, wool, furs, meat
  • other agricultural products: Christmas trees, sod, greenhouse or nursery products, mushrooms, honey or bees, maple syrup and its products.

Direct marketing: Farm operators are using direct marketing to grow their business and sell products directly to consumers. There are four direct marketing methods classified, they include:

  • Farm gate sales, stands, kiosks, U-pick
  • Farmers’ markets
  • Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
  • Other

Data for Yukon and the Northwest Territories are not included in national totals because of the differing definition of an agricultural operation in those regions and because of confidentiality constraints.

It should be noted that all “other crop” agricultural products mentioned were selected without bias. Each agricultural product identified is but a subset topic of potential other topics pertaining to “other crops”.


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