Agriculture may be a centuries-old industry, but many think this sector is poised to experience a growth boom not seen since the 1800s. According to McKinsey, the global population will increase by 2 billion in the coming decades, increasing caloric demand by 70% and crop demand by at least 100%. Besides needing to produce more food, several other trends are shaping this sector: a focus on environmental sustainability, productivity-enhancing technology, construction of production facilities and demand for new products such as plant-based proteins, locally produced fertilizer, cannabis and more.
While agribusiness will, at its heart, always involve growing crops, dairy farming and raising poultry and livestock, the industry could look a lot different in the coming years. Prominent players in Canada and beyond will more aggressively pursue M&A opportunities as they try to increase their market share, move up the value chain, become more efficient and add new technological capabilities; start-ups will create products that both enhance and disrupt the current way of doing business; and capital markets players will fund innovative ideas and new growth opportunities.
Companies must know how to navigate more burdensome regulations, complicated supply chains, complex trade issues and international business relations to succeed. They’ll need to develop M&A strategies, protect intellectual property, secure growth financing and project financing, negotiate partnerships with tech firms, governments and other industry players, and much more. All of that requires working with a law firm with the end-to-end agribusiness sector experience needed to help companies thrive.
Osler discusses initial list of Prairie designated regions where Livestock Tax Deferral has been authorized for 2022.
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How we can help
With expert lawyers drawn from practice areas across the firm, Osler’s Agribusiness team provides technical legal advice and practical business guidance on the multi-faceted agricultural sectors. These include everything from primary production and aggregation to plants, processing and equipment, and extending to transportation and international trade, with technological innovation at every step of the process.
Agribusiness continues to be shaped by worldwide population growth, emerging technologies and ever-shifting consumer demand. Osler can provide timely advice and strategic insight for succeeding in this dynamic industry. We offer guidance through every stage of the business cycle for clients engaged in agricultural-related activities, whether cross-border or local.
We have the breadth of knowledge and experience to understand the wide-ranging issues that industry participants face. We can assist with
- establishing new enterprises and assisting with capital-raising for their ongoing growth and development
- the full range of supply chain issues, including contractual arrangements and disputes
- matters related to the facilities and plants that are vital to operations in the agribusiness sector
Our Agribusiness team includes Osler Special Advisor Brad Wall, the former Premier of Saskatchewan. Mr. Wall offers Osler clients his strategic insight and invaluable guidance, particularly concerning the agriculture and energy industries.
To face the challenges and opportunities in this space, you need to work with a firm that’s dealt with everything that could come your way. With our deep industry expertise and proven track record of helping many of the sector’s biggest names, we can help to set you up for long-term success.