Government of Canada invests in the agriculture and agri-food sector to address labour demands

“The future of the agriculture and agri-food sectors is contingent on having a skilled and reliable workforce. Over these past few years in particular, Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector has faced significant challenges in acquiring workers and maintaining stability. These two very important projects will strengthen this crucial sector for generations to come.”

– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Growing chronic labour shortages impact the success and viability of the Canadian agriculture and agri-food industry. This viability is essential not only because of the strong economic contribution but also because Canadian agriculture and agri-food producers provide food to Canadians and the globe. The funding announced today will allow CAHRC to action priorities identified by industry in the National Workforce Strategic Plan right away and provide new and innovative training, tools and resources to attract and retain workers in the industry.”

– Paul Glenn, Chair of the Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council.

Quick facts

• First announced in Budget 2021, the new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program will help workers and employers by supporting solutions to address current and emerging workforce needs in key sectors, including: o building talent for Canada’s clean economy; o supporting needs of workers and employers hardest hit by the pandemic; and o addressing challenges faced by in-demand healthcare occupations.

• Based on data from the Labour Force Survey in December 2022: o 260,600 Canadians were working in the agriculture and agri-food sector, down 37,200 (–12.5%) compared to prepandemic numbers (February 2020). o The industry faces ongoing pressures from population aging and fewer older individuals returning to work in agriculture after the pandemic. o This sector’s chronic labour shortage is forecasted to grow from 63,000 to as many as 123,000 workers by 2029.

• Agriculture and Agri-food Canada with support from Employment and Social Development Canada is currently developing a National Agricultural Labour Strategy. The strategy will seek to address chronic workforce challenges and build short- and long-term solutions to attract a skilled workforce to the agriculture and agri-food sector.

Associated links

• Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program