Funding available to address labour shortage

$1.5 million funding investment for labour shortage studies may reveal solutions for the agriculture and agri-food sector. 

“Labour challenges continue to be one of the leading bottlenecks to growth in our agriculture sector,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “At the same time, there are countless quality and dynamic job opportunities for Canadians looking for rewarding careers.”

Why it matters: In 2017, 16,500 Canadian agriculture jobs went unfilled. The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) estimates the shortfall will balloon to 123,000 in the next eight years, with Ontario having the lion’s share of the shortfall. 

“This Canadian Agricultural Partnership cost-shared funding for employee attraction, training and retention helps bridge that divide between employable Canadians and labour shortages,” said Bibeau. “And is vital to ensure the long-term prosperity for the sector.”

Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said Brampton-Mississauga-based Vidhya Foods Inc. is a prime example of how the agri-food sector can positively impact the community and the province’s GDP. 

“(Vidhya) has been a powerhouse, creating jobs, supporting communities and serving customers not only in Ontario but across Canada and around the globe,” Thompson said at the Brampton-Mississauga-based food manufacturer during the funding announcement.

Toronto is one of the three largest food hubs on the continent, next to Los Angeles and Chicago, said Thompson, and the labour shortage will negatively impact the sector’s growth potential and ability to process and produce agri-food products. 

“While an aging workforce is part of the labour shortage issue that we’re currently facing, we also know that the reason for the shortage is the result of the specific challenges in attracting entry-level and experienced skilled workers to jobs and careers in the sector.

“Investing in a strong workforce for the agri-food sector is vital to our economy and our rural communities,” she added. “We want to attract and train people interested in building a successful career in the increasingly high-tech agriculture industry to take advantage of these opportunities. This initiative will do just that and will help position the sector for long-term growth.”

Labour has long been a strategic priority for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, said OFA president Peggy Brekveld. 

“The development of the (OFAs) Feeding Your Future initiative has been a step in the right direction in terms of addressing workforce shortages in the agri-food sector. Funding opportunities like these support industry efforts to fill job vacancies and encourages collaboration among key stakeholders.”

Chris Conway, chief executive officer of Food and Beverage Ontario, said he was pleased to see the collaborative effort of the labour, training and skills development ministries and OMAFRA to address the labour shortfall.

“This investment helps address agri-food labour challenges and build a strong and resilient labour force,” said Conway. “In partnership with government, we share the common goal of connecting job seekers with exciting career opportunities.”

Intake for the program opened Oct. 21 and will remain open until all funds are allocated. Eligible projects could receive cost-share funds up to 70 per cent with a cap of $250,000 and must be completed by Sept. 30, 2022. 

Research can fall under several categories, including, but not limited to planning, analyzing and assessing labour force needs and implementing new, enhanced or expanded approaches to attract and retain labour.

It could also address workforce needs, including improved food safety and traceability training, labour productivity and tech-focused skill gaps.

Detailed information, including applications, can be found at www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/cap/laboursupply.htm.

Research activities eligible for funding

Eligible projects include: 

• New, enhanced or expanded strategies to attract, retain and train labour, such as first-time planning, organizing or participating in workforce recruitment events in Canada that fall outside of regular business. 
• Marketing and promotional activities.
• Assessment, plans, audits or analyses related to the labour shortage.
• Implementation of new, existing or proven training approaches that specifically address identified workforce needs, including those related to food safety and traceability, improved labour productivity and other labour skills gaps. 
• Direct support for those working on the project for labour expenses such as travel, accommodation, meals, etc. 

Ineligible projects include:

• Projects outside of Ontario
• Projects supporting activities related to aquaponic food production, aquaculture, seaweed, fish and seafood production and processing.
• Projects supporting regular operating costs, such as business hiring, wage subsidies, purchasing capital items, labour expenses for existing employees, facility expansions or earmarked for coming into or maintaining operations in compliance with legal requirements. 
• Projects aimed at directly influencing or lobbying any level of government, Ontario-specific promotional campaigns and branding, including the use of the Foodland Ontario logo and promoting Ontario products over other provinces and territories.