Photo by We Animals Media.
Federal trade data reveals a near complete collapse of the Canadian fur farming sector.
Obtaining accurate information about the size and economic output of Canada’s fur farm industry is difficult as the federal government stopped publishing key information about the sector several years ago. Statistics Canada hasn’t published information about the number of fur farms in Canada or how many animals are killed annually for their fur since 2018 and 2020, respectively. The agency also stopped publishing economic information about the fur farm sector (last published data for farm cash receipts was 2019). Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada hasn’t published market information about the mink farm sector since 2020.
In the absence of these statistics, federal trade data can be used to obtain a picture of Canada’s fur farm industry today. Fur pelts from Canadian fur farms are primarily exported to markets in the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Trade information about species other than mink is unavailable, but fur pelts from other species are marginal as mink farms make up the vast majority of fur farms in Canada. Looking at the exports of farmed mink fur reveals a dramatic decline of the fur farm industry in Canada over the past decade.
In 2013, the value of mink pelts exported from Canada was $812.8 million. This dropped to $24.6 million in 2023. This amounts to a 97% decrease from 2013-2023. The following chart and table display farmed mink export data over this time period.
This drastic decrease coincides with the most recent Census of Agriculture data, which showed 347 fur farms operating in 2011, dropping to less than 100 farms in 2021. This number is expected to be far lower today as a formerly major fur producing province, British Columbia, banned mink farming in 2021, resulting in the closure of over ten fur farms.
Shifting public attitudes towards animals and fur
A major factor that explains the decrease is societal shifts in people’s attitudes towards animals. Consumers have rejected fashion products made of fur, and the public overwhelmingly opposes the practice of farming animals for their fur. This is reflected in the over 1500 fashion companies going fur-free (including many in Canada). It’s also reflected in the dozens of national fur farm bans around the world. The shift in people’s attitudes towards the consumption and production of fur products is supported by many public opinion polls in Canada.
- 74% of Canadians support a national fur farming ban in Canada. (2022, Research Co.)
- 78% of Canadians oppose killing animals for their fur. (2024, Research Co.)
- Only 26% of Canadians believe fur farming is humane. (2023, Research Co.)
- 94% of Canadians say that it’s important to them that animals have their basic physical and psychological needs met. (2023, Research Co.)
- 87% of Canadians believe that animals are sentient. (2023, Research Co.)
Public attitudes towards fur farming demonstrate that it has not only lost the support of the public, but that a large majority of Canadians would welcome a national ban on the practice.
The collapse of the Canadian fur farm industry is not isolated to Canada. It shares a downward trajectory with the global fur sector as shown in the statistics below, compiled by our friends at the Fur Free Alliance. Fur production has collapsed in Canada and worldwide.
The decline in production means millions of animals never having to experience pain and suffering on fur farms. But numerous fur farms are still operating in Canada, and for the sake of animals, people, and the environment, that needs to change.
Take Action to End Fur Farming in Canada
It’s time for Canada to join its partners in the international community and end the practice of fur farming. The Fur-Bearers has launched a campaign to end fur farming and we need your support to send a message to Ottawa. Visit our campaign website and send a message to your elected representative to call for an end to fur farming. Click here to visit the take action page.
