What's the solution for Canada's aging agriculture sector?

Plus, the start of the Toronto mayoral race and a new way to enter the real estate market [The Star] First Up [By Manuela Vega] By Manuela Vega Good morning. Here’s the latest on Canada’s aging agricultural sector, Toronto’s byelection and first-time homeownership. DON’T MISS Keith Currie Photo immigration [How Canada’s agriculture sector can survive its retirement crisis]( An unprecedented 40 per cent of the country’s farm operators will retire in the next ten years, according to a new report from RBC — and “the most immediate solution to this challenge rests at our borders,” it says. In order to keep the sector sustainable, Canada needs 30,000 new immigrants to either establish new farms and greenhouses or take over the existing ones. Why? The current Seasonal Agricultural Workers program is just a band aid solution. [Nicholas Keung reports on the future of farming — and the report’s recommendations around immigration, post-secondary education and automation](. - Context: In 2021, the agriculture and agri-food system employed 2.1 million people, providing one in nine jobs in Canada. It generated almost seven per cent of the country’s gross domestic product. However, it has had a chronic shortfall of workers and has relied on the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program. - Watch for: “There’s good jobs to be had in the sector that pay well and they’re high-quality jobs,” one expert said. “The farmer of the future is as likely to wear a lab coat as drive a tractor.” Andrew Francis Wallace/The Star municipal elections [Toronto’s byelection for a new mayor starts today. These are the top 10 most pressing issues facing the city ]( On the first day of candidate registration at city hall, Toronto looks and feels tired, David Rider writes. The city is facing a housing and homelessness crisis, and struggling with general affordability and problems with public safety, among other issues. Through speaking with candidates and experts, and reviewing recent polling data, the Star compiled a list of the most demanding issues facing Torontonians right now. [Here’s a breakdown of what to watch for between now and voting day on June 26](. - The candidates: Who is running for mayor? Who has bowed out? [Stay up to date with our candidate tracker](. - Go deeper: The pioneer of controversial right-wing campaigns and the mastermind behind Kathleen Wynne’s policies. [Here’s an inside look at who’s working behind the scenes of Toronto byelection campaigns](. - Edward Keenan’s take: [Here’s why candidates need to keep it simple]( while voters do their homework. Ramon Ferreira/The Star real estate [An innovative new company will pay up to 75 per cent of the down payment on your home — but there’s a big catch]( At a time when the average Toronto home costs $1.09 million, which requires a 20 per cent down payment of $218,000, one real estate financing company is offering a helping hand with a new approach. Ourboro will assist in financing the down payment of the property— in exchange for a significant portion of home equity when it eventually sells. The company’s cut depends on how much it lends up front. While experts say the co-ownership program is an interesting idea, they’re also flagging potential problems. [Clarrie Feinstein reports on the trade-offs](. - Why it matters: The company has received more than 1,000 applications and contributed $5 million in capital to households across the GTA since it launched, according to its chief product officer. - Miss something? Canada’s new tax-free First Home Savings Account took effect this weekend. [Here’s what you need to know](. - More: Long-term mortgage rates are falling. [Is it time to lock in?]( WHAT ELSE A judge previously warned that the man accused of killing a teen at Keele station was a [threat to the public without help for mental health issues and substance abuse](. They can line your kitchen waste bin and they break down in municipal compost. [So why did Canada move to ban these compostable grocery bags?]( It’s now illegal to feed pigeons or squirrels anywhere in Toronto. [These are the risks for humans and animals](. Despite a proposed bill to make changes, critics say [the government isn’t doing enough to help these “lost Canadians.”]( This small Toronto food co-op has been an [alternative to the grocery store giants for more than 50 years](. The SIU is investigating the [death of a Brampton man apprehended under the Mental Health Act](. There’s no cure for dementia, but [these simple habits can reduce your risk of developing it](. Was Pablo Neruda murdered? [The truth about the poet may lie with the bodies of dead prisoners](. Here’s how to get your tax refund fast — [even if you’ve never filed](. Why the man who sued Gwyneth Paltrow [says the lawsuit wasn’t worth it](. A chef’s guide to where to eat, drink and explore in Hong Kong — [including the best dim sum](. [Niagara Falls is one of the worst “tourist traps” in the world]( a report has found. ICYMI Dave Chan for The Star [Here’s how this Canadian doctor became the “Wayne Gretzky of vasectomies” — and why he stopped.]( CLOSE-UP Canadian Press/Michael Bell YORKTON, SASK.: Sisters Odelia and Nerissa Quewezance, speaking to the media on March 27, are out of prison after what they say has been 30 years of injustice. [Here’s why it will take them longer to move past a murder they say they didn’t commit](. Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_174637). I’ll see you back here tomorrow. If you're not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing newsletterfeedback@thestar.ca. Or, if you'd prefer, you can unsubscribe from this newsletter by clicking the first link below. [Unsubscribe From This Newsletter]( [Sign Up for More Newsletters and Email Alerts]( [View in Browser]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Twitter]( Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. One Yonge Street, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M5E 1E6. 416-367-2000 [PRIVACY POLICY](