Overview
Ontario’s agriculture and food industry offers competitive jobs and a diverse range of employers who need talented people to help grow their businesses.
One in every 9 jobs in Ontario is in the agriculture and food industry. It contributes nearly $51.4 billion to Ontario’s GDP each year. In 2024, agricultural exports reached over $28.1 billion — an increase of 7.1% from 2023.
Ontario’s agriculture and food industry has grown steadily for decades. It offers a wide range of interesting, well-paid jobs that are in high demand.
Ontario’s post-secondary institutions are also known around the world for their agricultural research and teaching.
Explore careers in agriculture and food. You can build a career in areas like:
- business
- entrepreneurship
- skilled trades
- technology
- innovation
- robotics
- automation
- science
- engineering
- mathematics
On this page, you’ll find resources for students, new grads and job seekers in Ontario’s agriculture and food industry.
Education and training programs
College programs
Ontario Colleges offer programs in all areas of agriculture — from automation and robotics to law, policy, farming and livestock management.
You can also explore programs in sustainable agriculture, which focus on ecological and organic farming, small farm operations and niche markets. Courses cover topics like soil science, weed and pest ecology and pasture management.
Ontario Colleges also offer food and beverage programs that prepare students for careers in a fast-growing industry. These programs combine hands-on learning with an understanding of the food service sector, helping students build the skills and training they need to succeed.
Search for college agricultural and food programs.
University programs
Ontario Universities' Info is a guide for high school students and guidance counsellors. It includes details about programs, admission requirements and more.
Search for university agricultural and food programs.
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
Agriculture
The SHSM – Agriculture program helps grade 11 and 12 students build sector-specific skills before starting a career or continuing to college, university or an apprenticeship.
Career examples include:
- veterinarian or veterinary technician
- heavy-duty equipment mechanic
- agricultural salesperson
- greenhouse operations worker
- chemical or mechanical engineer
- agronomist
- specialized livestock worker
- farm supervisor
Food processing
The SHSM – Food Processing program prepares students for careers in Ontario’s growing food and beverage industry.
Career examples include:
- food processing supervisor
- machine operator
- dietitian or nutritionist
- baker
- cook
Veterinary programs
Find a career working with animals as a veterinarian, technician or assistant. You’ll diagnose and treat illnesses, and provide care and advice to clients.
Workplaces include:
- veterinary clinics
- educational institutions
- zoos
- research labs
- provincial and federal governments
- industry organizations
Search for college veterinary programs.
Skilled trades in agriculture
Explore trades in agriculture and food, and learn about apprenticeship training and certification.
Examples of skilled trades include:
- agricultural equipment technician
- horticulture technician
- arborist
- horse groom
- fruit grower
- dairy herdsperson
- swine herdsperson
Find more information at:
Find jobs in agriculture and food
Job Bank
Job Bank is Canada's national employment service. It helps job seekers find work and employers find talent.
Job Bank lists many of the opportunities available in Ontario in the agriculture and food industry.
Featured job categories include:
- food and beverage processing
- retail and wholesale
- agriculture, food and harvesting
- food transportation and warehousing
- landscape and horticulture
- agriculture and production
How to use Job Bank
- Search by keyword and location.
- Use filters to narrow results or use advanced search.
- Subscribe to Job Alerts.
- Sign up to Job Match to get personalized job recommendations.
Other job boards and recruiters
AgCareers
AgCareers is a company that provides global talent solutions in agriculture and food.
AgriRecruiting
AgriRecruiting specializes in recruitment in the agribusiness sector.
CareersNOW!
CareersNOW! connects jobseekers with Ontario’s leading food and beverage processing employers.
Grasslands Recruitment Group
Grasslands Recruitment Group has dedicated resources to connect job seekers and employers across Canada in the agribusiness and agrifood sector.
Litherland
Litherland & Company specializes in placing skilled professionals, managers, executives and board members in the Canadian agriculture sector.
Careers In Food
Careers In Food is a job board for roles specifically in the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
Additional employment resources
Employment Ontario
Employment Ontario can help you get training, build skills or find a job. Employment Ontario will also help employers train their staff and find the talent they need.
Ontario workforce planning boards
Find a workforce planning board in your area to connect you with jobs, information and training resources.
Ontario's labour market
Find labour market information and statistics to help you plan your career. Learn about work trends and the skills, education and training you need.
Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council
Find research-based information about job types and human resources tools for employers and jobseekers in the on-farm sector.
Examples of jobs in agriculture and food include: