Federal and provincial governments investing in agri-food labour

TORONTO — The governments of Canada and Ontario are creating the Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative to attract and retain Ontario agri-food workers. Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), this $4 million investment will strengthen Ontario’s agri-food workforce.

“As Ontario’s agri-food sector continues to grow, it’s vitally important that folks have skilled workers to get the job done,” said Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Through the Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative, we can help the sector attract and retain the talent they need.”

The initiative will try to help fund job training and new recruitment marketing campaigns, introduce new worker supports such as ridesharing programs and language training and support the planning of on-site amenities and recreational facilities.

“We have heard loud and clear from Ontario’s agribusiness champion processors that continued access to skilled labour is crucial to their long-term growth,” said Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “We will continue supporting our agribusinesses in recruiting and retaining talent and reinforcing worker skills to sow the seeds of long-term competitiveness.”

Successful producers and processors can receive up to 50 per cent in cost-share support per project, up to a maximum of $40,000. Eligible industry organizations and collaborations between or among businesses can receive up to 50 per cent of their eligible costs, up to a maximum of $100,000 per project. The initiative will start accepting applications from eligible primary producers, processors and industry organizations on October 22, 2024. Applications will be accepted no later than September 2, 2025.

The Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector.