Farm Credit Canada are discussing three disruptors identified by Bloomberg for farmers and food producers in 2020. FCC chief agricultural economist J.P. Gervais says disruptors are defined by anything that could change the way farmers operate on a daily basis, either for the better or worse. Something that remains to be a continued challenge for farmers all over the world is climate change, and Gervais says the best thing to do while facing another tough season ahead, is to know where you stand.
The other two disruptors are automation and protectionism, which leads to a less-stable trade market. Automation is a trend that continues to grow to address labour shortages in Canada, while tense trade discussions made for a untrustworthy market for farmers a year ago. And while there still may be choppy waters ahead on the trade front, Gervais says there’s cause for optimism as all eyes are on a forthcoming China and USA deal, which should raise North American prices for products.
written by Grant Deme