By Alice McFarlane

National consultation launched on agricultural labour shortages

Jun 27, 2022 | 4:01 PM

MELFORT, Sask. – The agri-food system provides one in nine jobs in Canada but there aren’t enough people to fill those positions.

In order to find solutions to this problem, the federal government has launched consultations to create a National Agricultural Labour Strategy.

The agriculture and agri-food sector face obstacles that distinguish them from other economic sectors currently facing labour shortages. As part of the engagement process, an online consultation opened today.

Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said the sector has a high job vacancy rate.

“As everyone is looking to Canada to increase its contribution to global food security, our agriculture and agri-food sector is facing a severe labour shortage that prevents it from reaching its full potential,” Bibeau said.

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The process will seek input on recommendations to address chronic workforce challenges to build short- and long-term solutions that enable the agriculture sector to attract a skilled workforce.

Provinces and territories, as well as employers, unions, underrepresented groups, workers, and other key groups, will help develop the strategy and ensure it reflects the unique needs of the sector.

Several areas of focus have been identified, including the use of automation and technology, targeted skills development and training, employment incentives and best practices, and improved working conditions and benefits.

Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) President Mary Robinson said they will work closely with other organizations.

“These consultations, along with the development of our Workforce Strategy will create pragmatic solutions for short and long-term labour issues in the food supply chain,” Robinson said.

In 2020, the whole agriculture and agri-food system employed 2.1 million people and generated $135 billion of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The online consultation continues until Sept. 28.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW