Bridging the Farm Succession Gap: Hub & 33seven Team Up to Secure Rural Futures

Toronto, ON – November 03, 2025 – Facing a critical generational shift in Canadian agriculture, Hub International and 33seven have announced a strategic partnership aimed at providing comprehensive farm succession planning solutions. The collaboration seeks to address the growing need for holistic support that goes beyond traditional financial and legal advice, encompassing the emotional and operational complexities of transferring family farms to the next generation.

Canada’s agricultural sector is facing a significant challenge: a rapidly aging farmer population and a dwindling number of young people choosing to enter the profession. Statistics Canada data reveals that over 40% of Canadian farmers are over 55 years old, and a concerningly low percentage of young people are pursuing farming as a career. This looming demographic cliff threatens the future of Canadian food production and rural communities. Compounding the issue, nearly 92% of farms lack a formalized, written succession plan, leaving many vulnerable to disruption and potential loss.

“The challenges facing Canadian farmers are multifaceted,” explains a financial advisor specializing in agricultural transitions. “It's not just about transferring assets; it's about preserving a legacy, managing family dynamics, and ensuring the continued viability of a business that often represents generations of hard work and dedication.”

A Holistic Approach to Succession Planning

Hub International, a leading global insurance brokerage and financial services firm, brings its extensive risk management expertise and national reach to the partnership. Recognizing the limitations of a solely financial approach, Hub sought a partner with specialized experience in the often-sensitive aspects of farm succession. 33seven, a boutique advisory firm dedicated to farm continuity planning, provides that expertise.

“We saw a clear need to offer a more comprehensive solution to our clients,” says Marc Chouinard, National Agribusiness Specialty Practice Leader at Hub International. “Traditional succession planning often focuses on the technical aspects – taxes, estate planning, asset transfer. But the human element – family communication, emotional preparedness – is equally critical. 33seven brings a unique skillset in that area.”

33seven’s approach centers on facilitating open and honest conversations within farm families, identifying potential conflicts, and developing strategies to address them. They emphasize the importance of defining clear roles and responsibilities for the next generation, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership and operational knowledge. They also help families navigate the emotional complexities of letting go and entrusting the future of the farm to others.

“The biggest roadblock to succession planning is often procrastination,” explains a farm family coach. “Farmers are busy people, and they tend to put off difficult conversations. But the longer they wait, the more complex the situation becomes.”

Addressing the Growing Needs of Canadian Farmers

The partnership between Hub and 33seven comes at a crucial time for Canadian agriculture. The rising cost of land, increasing operating expenses, and volatile commodity prices are putting immense pressure on farm businesses. Many young farmers are struggling to afford the capital needed to enter the profession, while aging farmers are facing challenges in securing their retirement.

“The financial barriers to entry are significant,” says a farm management consultant. “Young farmers often need substantial capital to purchase land, equipment, and operating inputs. And the intergenerational transfer of wealth is becoming increasingly complex.”

The integrated solution offered by Hub and 33seven aims to address these challenges by providing farmers with comprehensive financial planning, risk management, and estate planning services, as well as support in navigating the emotional and operational aspects of succession. This includes:

• Financial Planning: Developing customized strategies to maximize wealth transfer, minimize tax liabilities, and secure retirement income.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks to the farm business, including weather events, market volatility, and liability claims.
• Estate Planning: Creating comprehensive estate plans that ensure a smooth and efficient transfer of assets to the next generation.
• Family Communication & Conflict Resolution: Facilitating open and honest conversations within farm families, identifying potential conflicts, and developing strategies to address them.
• Operational Transition Planning: Developing a plan for transferring leadership and operational knowledge to the next generation, including training, mentorship, and knowledge transfer.

Beyond Finances: The Human Side of Succession

Experts emphasize that successful farm succession is about more than just finances. It's about preserving a legacy, strengthening family relationships, and ensuring the long-term viability of a vital industry. “The emotional aspect is often underestimated,” says a specialist in farm family dynamics. “Farmers are deeply connected to their land and their way of life. Letting go can be incredibly difficult.”

The partnership between Hub and 33seven recognizes this emotional complexity and aims to provide farmers with the support they need to navigate these challenges. By combining financial expertise with a deep understanding of family dynamics, they are creating a comprehensive solution that addresses the full spectrum of needs facing Canadian farm families. “This is about securing not just the future of the farm, but the future of rural communities across Canada,” concludes Chouinard. “It’s about building a sustainable agricultural sector for generations to come.”

Resources for Farm Succession Planning:

• Statistics Canada: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/
• Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council (CAHRC): https://cahrc.ca/
• Farm Management Canada: https://farmmanagementcanada.com/