Funding aims to attract and retain more agrifood workers

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), the $4 million investment will strengthen Ontario’s agri-food workforce for years to come, the governments said in a release.

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The initiative will 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.

In the release, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Rob Flack said Ontario agribusinesses and processors say that continued access to skilled labour is crucial to their long-term growth.

 “We will continue supporting our agribusinesses in recruiting and retaining talent and reinforcing worker skills to sow the seeds of long-term competitiveness,” he said.

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.