Efforts to build a competitive and robust agri-food workforce are getting a $4 million boost from the federal and provincial governments.
Funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP), the Ontario Agri-Careers Support Initiative (OACS) supports pilot projects to attract, support and retain workers into the sector, such as transportation initiatives, childcare options and language proficiency solutions for non-native English speakers.
“There is not a one-size-fits-all solution to address the labour challenges in our agri-food sector,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “We are supporting projects that will make it easier for workers to start and continue their careers in the agri-food sector. These projects will help provide concrete solutions to ensure the sector have the workers they need to keep the province’s food supply chain safe and strong.”
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The OACS will provide up to 70 per cent approved expenses to a maximum of $80,000 for individual food processing businesses with more than 100 employees or up to $200,000 for collaboration between two or more.
“There is a need for more workers in the agri-food sector, and our government is committed to helping people start these well-paying and meaningful careers,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “That is why we are investing in programs that give employers the ability to retain workers and grow their business. These programs offer rewarding work in communities across our province and help solve our labour shortage.”
OACS is building on the $1.5 million labour shortage study launched in October 2021 and the $22 million Agri-Tech Innovation cost-share program in April 2021.
The Agricultural Adaptation Council will compile data from the pilot projects and share it with provincial food processors who could utilize the data to identify programs addressing long-term labour challenges in their operations.
“There are countless quality and dynamic job opportunities for those looking for rewarding careers in agriculture,” said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Our government will continue to support initiatives that help Ontario’s food sector retain skilled workers and operate under the best possible conditions to continue providing nutritious, safe, high-quality foods to Canadians and a growing global population.”
