--- canonical_url: "https://csls.ca/research/a-detailed-analysis-of-the-productivity-performance-of-the-canadian-primary-agriculture-sector/" title: "A Detailed Analysis of the Productivity Performance of the Canadian Primary Agriculture Sector" author: name: "CSLS" url: "https://csls.ca/author/cslc/" date_published: "2026-07-02T13:25:01+00:00" date_modified: "2026-07-02T13:25:01+00:00" post_type: "research" summary: "" post_tag: - "Agriculture and Agri-Food" - "Canada" - "labour productivity" - "land productivity" - "multifactor productivity" - "primary agriculture" - "productivity drivers" country_focus: - "Canada" province_region: - "National" research_theme: - "Productivity and Economic Measurement" - "Sector/Industry Analysis" featured_image: "https://csls.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/old-reports_hero_banner_bg.webp" status: "publish" --- # A Detailed Analysis of the Productivity Performance of the Canadian Primary Agriculture Sector Canonical URL: https://csls.ca/research/a-detailed-analysis-of-the-productivity-performance-of-the-canadian-primary-agriculture-sector/ # A Detailed Analysis of the Productivity Performance of the Canadian Primary Agriculture Sector [Download full PDF report](https://csls.ca/pdf/csls2011-06-1.pdf) Cite this report × Cite this report as: Centre for the Study of Living Standards. 2011. “A Detailed Analysis of the Productivity Performance of the Canadian Primary Agriculture Sector.” CSLS Research Report 2011-06. Ottawa. https://csls.ca/research/a-detailed-analysis-of-the-productivity-performance-of-the-canadian-primary-agriculture-sector/ ## Author: - Centre for the Study of Living Standards (CSLS) Centre for the Study of Living Standards (CSLS) ## Report 2011-06 August 2011 134 pages ## Related research [Measuring the Appropriate Outcomes for Better Decision-Making: A Framework to Guide the Analysis of Health Policy Matthew Calver March 2016 | Report 2016-03 | 132 pages](https://csls.ca/research/measuring-the-appropriate-outcomes-for-better-decision-making-a-framework-to-guide-the-analysis-of-health-policy-2016-03/) [Living Standards Domain of the Canadian Index of Wellbeing Andrew Sharpe, Christopher Ross November 2011 | Report 2011-17 | 124 pages](https://csls.ca/research/living-standards-domain-of-the-canadian-index-of-wellbeing-2011-17/) [Productivity: Key to Economic Success Centre for the Study of Living Standards (CSLS) March 1998 | Report 1998-01 | 99 pages](https://csls.ca/research/productivity-key-to-economic-success/) [Productivity Trends: A Canada-U.S. Comparison Centre for the Study of Living Standards (CSLS) January 1999 | Report 1999-01 | 6 pages](https://csls.ca/research/productivity-trends-a-canada-u-s-comparison/) [New Estimates of Manufacturing Productivity Growth for Canada and the United States Andrew Sharpe March 1999 | Report 1999-02 | 21 pages](https://csls.ca/research/new-estimates-of-manufacturing-productivity-growth-for-canada-and-the-united-states/) [Apprenticeship in Canada: A Training System Under Siege? Andrew Sharpe December 1999 | Report 1999-03 | 59 pages](https://csls.ca/research/apprenticeship-in-canadaa-training-system-under-siege/) [A Survey of Indicators of Economic and Social Well-being Andrew Sharpe July 1999 | Report 1999-cprn | 72 pages](https://csls.ca/research/a-survey-of-indicators-of-economic-and-social-well-being/) [Creating a More Efficient Labour Market Centre for the Study of Living Standards (CSLS) June 2001 | Report 2001-02 | 147 pages](https://csls.ca/research/creating-a-more-efficient-labour-market/) [Productivity Trends in the Construction Sector: A Case of Lagging Technical Progress Centre for the Study of Living Standards (CSLS) November 2001 | Report 2001-03 | 177 pages](https://csls.ca/research/productivity-trends-in-the-construction-sector-a-case-of-lagging-technical-progress/) [The Impact of the National Child Benefit Supplement on the Low Income Status of Canadian Families with Children: The SPSD/M Results Centre for the Study of Living Standards (CSLS) June 2002 | Report 2002-01 | 59 pages](https://csls.ca/research/the-impact-of-the-national-child-benefit-supplement-on-the-low-income-status-of-canadian-families-with-children-the-spsd-m-results/) ## Abstract ## Résumé EN FR Copy link Email LinkedIn In contrast to the significant slowdown in aggregate productivity growth in Canada since 2000, the labour productivity performance of the primary agriculture sector has been strong. The objective of this study is to shed light on the factors behind the sector’s success. This report provides an overview of the productivity performance of the Canadian agriculture sector over the 1961-2007 period, discussing both long-term trends and recent developments. Labour productivity and MFP estimates for the period are analyzed, as well as land and intermediate input productivity. The main drivers of productivity growth in the sector are identified and examined. Finally, policy suggestions are discussed. Contrairement au ralentissement marqué de la croissance de la productivité globale au Canada depuis 2000, la performance de la productivité du travail du secteur de l’agriculture primaire a été solide. L’objectif de cette étude est d’éclairer les facteurs expliquant le succès de ce secteur. Ce rapport présente un aperçu de la performance de la productivité du secteur agricole canadien au cours de la période 1961-2007, en examinant tant les tendances à long terme que l’évolution récente. Les estimations de la productivité du travail et de la PMF pour la période sont analysées, ainsi que la productivité des terres et des intrants intermédiaires. Les principaux moteurs de la croissance de la productivité dans le secteur sont cernés et examinés. Enfin, des suggestions de politiques sont discutées. [Download full PDF report](https://csls.ca/pdf/csls2011-06-1.pdf)