A Taste of Agribusiness: A Companion Piece

A Taste of Agribusiness

March 2013

A Labour Market Profile of the Agribusiness and Food Processing Cluster in Hamilton

Did you know? 

Agribusiness is a $1.3 billion industry in Hamilton

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There are over 9,400 people working directly in the agricultural and food processing industries

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There are 581 businesses operating in the cluster

There are many opportunities for career growth within this industry. Workforce Planning Hamilton released A Taste of Agribusiness, a detailed look at the employment trends, opportunities and challenges of the cluster. This handout acts as an additional resource for those looking to know more about what it takes to succeed in common agribusiness occupations.

In 2011, Canada Bread picked Hamilton While not immune to the economic downturn of recent years, agribusiness as the location of choice for the has proven to be a major contributor to Hamilton’s economic prosperity. Ap- country’s largest commercial bakery, proximately 65% of the lands within the City of Hamilton are rural, including representing a $100 million investment croplands and pasturelands. and up to 300 full-time jobs and 30 seasonal hourly positions Recent advancements within the industry – particularly investments into food processing, such as the new Maple Leaf Foods plant, or the Canada Bread factory – aren’t yet reflected in the employment data available. Therefore, it is likely that the cluster could employ even more workers than before. In the agricultural sector alone, employment grew by 34% from 2008-2012 in the Hamilton CMA. Yet, the sector is not without its challenges. The vacancy rate for skilled farm jobs in Canada is 10% or higher, and employers need workers who are flexible, adaptable, and have a strong work ethic. On both the agricultural side and the food processing side, procedures are becoming more automated and it remains critical that employees have a drive to learn and adapt to changing production methods.

Set to open in 2014, Maple Leaf Food’s hot dog and sliced meat facility will employ an estimated 670 salaried and hourly staff members

Hamilton’s Agricultural Sector Do you have what it takes to join one of Hamilton’s leading clusters of economic development? There are a wide variety of occupations that all work together to provide the best quality products and services. Mohawk College offers programs in Horticulture Plant Identification, and Landscape Design, while the University of Guelph offers a wide variety of agriculture degree programs.

Common Agricultural Occupations

Where should I look for job openings in agribusiness?  Harvesting labourers (NOC 8611)  Logging and forestry labourers (NOC 8616)

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General farm workers (NOC 8431) Nursery and greenhouse workers (NOC 8432) Retail salespersons and sales clerks (NOC 6421) Truck drivers (NOC 7411) General office clerks (NOC 1411)

One of the most common ways to find a job in agriculture is through networking.

If a potential employee can be referred by people who currently work on the farm, or already know someone who would be a great fit, then the employer does not have to spend as much time and money recruiting new employees. So sharpen up your networking skills and let connections know you are looking for a career in agribusiness!

Other common ways for employers in this industry to recruit new workers are through Kijiji, Canada Job Bank and by placing signs in storefronts.

Things to consider before deciding a career in agriculture is right for you:

 Farmers and farm managers (NOC 8251)  Nursery and greenhouse operators and managers (NOC 8254)  Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers (NOC 8253)

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Many positions are seasonal with busy season typically running from April-September (weather dependent)

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During the busy season, positions such as general farm workers or harvesting labourers work long hours and in all weather conditions

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Public transportation is not always available for people to get to their place of work in rural areas

Food Processing in Hamilton The food processing side of the cluster also offers a variety of occupations for all skill levels. The top occupations tend to be labour-intensive and directly involved in the food manufacturing process, while other common occupations are in the distribution and transportation of food products. Many of the skills required to succeed in food manufacturing are no different than the skills acquired through experience manufacturing other products.

Common Food Processing Occupations

Where should I look for job openings in food processing?  Labourers in food, beverage and tobacco (NOC 9617)

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Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers (NOC 9462) Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing (NOC 9461) Shippers and receivers (NOC 1471) Material handlers (NOC 7452) Sales representatives, wholesale trade (non-technical) (NOC 6411) Retail salespersons and sales clerks (NOC 6421)

 Supervisors, food, beverage and tobacco (NOC 9213)  Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (NOC 7311)  Bakers (NOC 6252)

Food processing companies in Hamilton, especially the larger employers, may go through more formal methods of advertising job openings than agricultural businesses. Common methods for these businesses to advertise job openings include Kijiji, Canada Job Bank, The Spectator, company websites and school job boards.

Second Career Occupations shown in green, such as farmers and farm managers (NOC 8251), nursery and green house operators and managers (NOC 8254), and bakers (NOC 6252) may qualify for Second Career, an Ontario government program that is helping laid-off workers get back to work. If you have been laid-off from full-time job in Ontario in the past four years, currently are either unemployed, working fewer than 20 hours per week or underemployed, and are interested in training for a new career in Ontario, you may qualify for up to $28,000 to pay for training and expenses.

Find the employment service centre nearest you at www.winhamilton.ca for your full evaluation or visit www.secondcareerontario.ca for more details.

Both agricultural and food processing businesses are seeing an increased use of technology in their practices. In many cases, farming has evolved from traditional methods of planting seeds and harvesting crops to high-tech and automated processes. Similarly with food manufacturing, many product lines may be automated more than before.

What does this mean for workers?

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An increase in the use of technology does NOT mean that manual workers are becoming redundant

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General skill requirements are changing, and while for some positions it may be helpful to obtain college certification in machinery operations or robotics, there are still many jobs that do not require formal education

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Employers indicate that they generally provide in-house training for all employees, and soft skills such as ability to learn and adapt to new practices quickly are important in order to be successful

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Some employers have indicated that an increase in technology actually reduces their need for higher-skilled manual labourers as difficult processes are now automated and therefore lower-skilled people can succeed in these positions

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The amount of high-tech processes provide more opportunity for people who thrive on business acumen, computerization, robotics, advanced chemistry and biology

On-the-job training is typically provided for employees, what is most important for job seekers is to have a good attitude, a willingness to learn and ability to adapt to changing business practices

For the complete report, visit Workforce Planning Hamilton’s website: www.workforceplanninghamilton.ca

www.workforceplanninghamilton.ca

This Employment Ontario program is funded by the Ontario government.