Since the early part of this century, the fast-paced development of Alberta’s oil sands and the push for more pipelines across the country have driven Canada’s economic fortunes. Indeed, the Toronto Stock Exchange is one of the most carbon-intensive exchanges in the world — with over 25 per cent market capitalization in the oil and gas sector. Changes in energy markets (including booming domestic production in the U.S. and decreasing global demand) have depressed energy prices, and the effects are felt in the broader Canadian economy. We are optimistic that the Canadian food, beverage and agribusiness sector presents a viable and attractive alternative for investors today for a safe harbour from the upheaval in global energy markets. As a northern latitude area, the Canadian Prairies are expected to experience temperature increases by a multiple of global averages, which in turn increases growing seasons. These environmental shifts are also expected to increase crop yields and the diversity of crops that can be cultivated. We anticipate Canada’s position to continue to improve as a lead global exporter as it benefits from improving agricultural conditions in the Prairies and increasing global demand.

In 2015, the Canadian food and agribusiness sector was once again the subject of a number of high-profile transactions (see Notable Transactions, page 2). Canada continues to be a leading exporter, and a significant importer, of agricultural and agri-food products. Similarly, farmland has been a strong asset, and in recent years, we have noted increased investments in Canadian farmland assets by financial investors (e.g., Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds and the Canada Pension Plan).