New investment supports agriculture workforce planning

Funding to improve labour data and workforce planning across Canada’s agriculture sector

Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector is set to benefit from new federal funding aimed at strengthening workforce development and improving labour market information across the industry, according to the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC).

CAHRC is among 14 sector organizations receiving support through the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program. The initiative is focused on helping key industries better understand labour needs, address shortages, and adapt to a changing workforce landscape.

Through a $6.9 million investment over five years, CAHRC will expand its work delivering labour market intelligence and workforce tools tailored to agriculture and agri-food. The project, titled Harvesting Success: Workforce Development and Labour Market Solutions for Canadian Agriculture, will focus on improving real-time data, forecasting workforce needs, and developing practical tools for employers.

The funding will also support ongoing work under the National Workforce Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Food and Beverage Manufacturing, including continued collaboration across the sector and an annual Workforce Summit.

Labour shortages and evolving skill requirements remain ongoing challenges for many producers and employers across Canada. Strengthening access to timely, reliable labour market information is expected to help support better workforce planning, recruitment, and retention strategies.

CAHRC says the investment will allow the organization to deepen the labour market insights available to producers, employers, educators, and policymakers, while also developing tools to better align workforce supply and demand.

“Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector depends on a strong, skilled workforce to remain competitive and resilient,” said Jennifer Wright, Executive Director of CAHRC.

The investment is part of a broader national effort to strengthen workforce planning across multiple sectors, including agriculture, construction, energy, and technology.

As workforce pressures continue across the agriculture sector, initiatives like this are intended to support long-term planning and help ensure the industry has the people and skills needed to remain productive and competitive.