Rethinking exports and committing to automation essential for agriculture

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If you’re like me, the image that the word “exports” evokes is container ships and railways and huge water-side ports.

While all of that is very true, there’s more to exports than just commodities and large volumes, says Mairead Lavery, president and CEO of Export Development Canada.

Lavery spoke at the Canadian Agriculture and a Hungry World event, held at Ottawa, Ont., last week. She says that Canada’s approach to exports could use a revamp. What’s more, she challenges all industries — agriculture included — to get rolling on using automation at the most basic level.

Canada’s labour issues are not going to be solved with more people, Lavery says. A lack of labour was very recently cited as the top business challenge in Canada, but has since been surpassed by inflation and high interest rates.

Automation doesn’t have to be large scale and complex, she says, and every value chain should be exploring what jobs and roles could be most easily automated. The future really demands it.

Listen on to hear Lavery’s thoughts on exports, access to high speed, and automation: 

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