Finding solutions for the agricultural worker shortage
From coast to coast, farmers, ranchers and agriculture employers are taking advantage of a wage subsidy program to hire post-secondary students – and help build a future workforce for Canada’s ag sector. For years agricultural employers have had difficulty finding the workers they need. The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has been studying this problem to determine where possible solutions might lie. A not-for-profit organization focused on addressing human resource issues facing agricultural businesses across Canada, CAHRC conducts labour market research and develops human resources supports for employers.
One of the solutions for strengthening the workforce identified by CAHRC is accessing under-represented groups – and one of the groups with the most potential is young Canadians.
Enter Growing Opportunities, a CAHRC initiative that connects employers, post-secondary institutions and students through the Student Wage Placement Program (SWPP). The goal is to help employers connect with interested students in colleges, universities and trade schools and provide them with work experience directly related to their education. It can also engage students in non-agriculture disciplines, building awareness of career paths leading to agriculture after graduation.
Nearly any Canadian business or not-for-profit organization in the agriculture industry is eligible for the student wage subsidy. For more information on program details and how to apply, see https://cahrc-ccrha.ca/programs/agri-talent.
The proof is in the pudding
Growing Opportunities is making inroads to help solve the agriculture workforce issue. Since the Fall of 2021, 155 employers benefitted from 350 student placements through 81 post-secondary institutions[KK1] . The feedback from employers has been extremely positive.
Take Grieg Seafood Newfoundland for instance, one of the world's leading farmers of Atlantic salmon. Kevin Smith, R&D and Sustainability Officer with Greig, says that, “Our biggest labour gap was the result of not being able to find people with the skillset the job demands. By being able to access students we can now do that. CAHRC lets you apply for the subsidy for a large volume of people – and that’s what we need. It makes it a lot less risky to take on a group of untested employees when 50% of their wage is paid through the subsidy.”
He also sees benefits for the students they employ.
“In rural areas with an aging population and workforce, it’s an opportunity to bring students into our industry who might not otherwise have us on their radar. It’s also a great way to let young people know this is an industry that has room for them, that it’s highly technical, challenging and sophisticated.”
Tanya Hsu, Talent Acquisition Coordinator with Trouw Nutrition Canada
“This program is introducing a new generation to the field of agriculture to be able to take over when older generations retire. As a business, we’re competing with other companies and want to get a leg up – and enthusiastic young professionals are going to give us that advantage.”
She adds, “Instead of having brand new credentials with little or no work experience behind them when they graduate, students have a chance to apply the knowledge from their education and gain the experience they need for their first permanent job. And because it’s hands-on, they get to explore what it’s all about before they commit to it as a career.”
Delage Farms, a family owned and operated grain operation located near Indian Head, Saskatchewan, has hired a student for the past two years. Janel Delage, Vice President of the family business, says the SWPP has provided them with the extra help they need during the growing season because it’s not easy finding people who want to work for such a short period of time.
“It’s a no brainer, actually,” Delage says, “And an easy decision. The subsidy covers a good portion of student wages. It also gives us a chance to mentor potential employees that we can hire when they’re done school.”
Agriculture in general has reaped the benefits too.
“When people understand what happens on a farm, it gives them practical knowledge of how food production works. This becomes more and more important as there are fewer kids who grow up on farms. They can understand where a loaf of bread comes from and why we do what we do.”
Creating a sustainable future
Growing Opportunities is an initiative that supports businesses struggling to find skilled workers and builds the workforce at the same time.
“We’re focused on improving youth participation in agriculture, at the same time as boosting the labour supply,” states Jennifer Wright, CAHRC Executive Director. “And we now have access to more talent – and a different pool of candidates that we might not have considered before. It’s about being creative in identifying the possibilities for the agriculture workforce, and about taking collaborative approaches.”
Wright adds, “Now our goal is to expand the number of post-secondary students and employers who are participating in Growing Opportunities. We’re looking for more companies who are interested in taking on students and creating a positive ag-related experience to foster a new generation of workers.”
Creating a sustainable supply of labour is the only way forward for agriculture, and engaging young Canadians is part of the solution. Initiatives like the Growing Opportunities SWPP help employers maintain a viable workforce, attract new talent to the field, and build understanding and awareness of potential Ag careers. Through the efforts of CAHRC and the support of their partners, huge strides are being made to ensure a healthy future for agriculture across Canada.
For more information on Growing Opportunities and the Student Wage Placement Program, contact Megan Lockhart, AgriTalent Project Coordinator email@example.com