The federal and Ontario governments have banded together on a new initiative aimed at attracting and retaining agricultural workers in the province.
Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the $4 million Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative will help fund job training and new recruitment marketing campaigns, according to a joint government announcement Tuesday.
“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.
The initiative will also introduce new worker supports, such as ridesharing programs and language training, and support the planning of on-site amenities and recreational facilities.
A report from the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council earlier this year estimated the Canadian ag industry will have a domestic labour gap of more than 100,000 jobs by 2030. That represents a 15% increase compared to the number of jobs that could not be filled by Canadian residents in 202 - a widening gulf at least partially attributed to expected retirements from an aging agricultural workforce.
As part of the new initiative unveiled today, producers and processors can apply to receive up to 50% 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% 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 Oct. 22, 2024. Applications will be accepted no later than Sept. 2, 2025.
