A Farm Credit Canada economist suggests China's evolving economy presents opportunities for Canadian agriculture.
The FCC's Craig Klemmer says that country's strong economic growth translates into additional income for consumers.
He sees the major opportunities around animal protein consumption - something that's currently not a major part of the Chinese diet.
The U-N's Food and Agriculture Organisation projects beef and veal consumption in China will increase 16 per cent between 2015 and 2024.
It expects pork consumption to go up 8 per cent.
While part of the solution will be to boost Chinese agricultural productivity, Klemmer says trade also has to be part of the solution.
He argues Canada is one of the few agricultural countries able to compete in that regard.
Klemmer says the U-S, Australia and Brazil will also be competing for a slice of that growing market.
The FCC economist suggests raising productivity to meet those trade opportunities will require strong innovation in Canadian agriculture.