Alberta Agriculture’s Future: Why It Matters
Insights from former Deputy Minister of Agriculture John Knapp
At the recent Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Technician Training, Farming Forward’s Jessica and Dini joined other technicians from across Alberta for a presentation by John Knapp, former Deputy Minister of Agriculture. His talk explored global trends shaping agriculture and what they mean for Alberta producers in the decades ahead.
A World of Growing Demand
Knapp reminded attendees that while global population growth is slowing, food demand continues to rise as incomes increase and diets shift toward more meat and dairy. By 2050, the world may need to produce about 50 percent more calories than in 2010. At the same time, farmland loss, climate change, and water shortages are reducing production in key regions. Reliable, responsible production will be in high demand — and Alberta is well-positioned to help fill that gap.
Alberta’s Strengths
Knapp pointed to Alberta’s unique mix of strong soils, freshwater resources, and a well-developed research network as reasons for optimism. He noted that other regions face growing constraints on land and water, while Alberta still has capacity to adapt, improve irrigation efficiency, and strengthen value-added processing. These advantages, paired with producers’ practical, stewardship-minded approach, form the foundation of a resilient future for agriculture here.
Social License and Stewardship
A central message of Knapp’s talk was that maintaining the public’s trust — our social license to operate — is essential. With fewer Albertans having direct ties to the farm, producers and rural organizations play a bigger role in communicating how agriculture protects soil, water, and biodiversity. Programs like the Environmental Farm Plan help bridge that gap, demonstrating that farmers and ranchers are proactive about environmental care.
Looking Ahead
Knapp’s closing message was one of confidence: Alberta agriculture has the people, knowledge, and natural resources to thrive — as long as we continue to plan ahead, invest in water, and tell our story. “The social license of agriculture,” he said, “is built every day by the people who work the land and the organizations that support them.”
About the speaker:
John Knapp served as Alberta’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture after a 36-year career with the Government of Alberta. He continues to work as a consultant, author, and keynote speaker based in Edmonton.
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