New initiatives are now available to support British Columbia’s farming, seafood, and food-processing sectors in addressing labor market challenges. These efforts focus on creating opportunities for domestic workers and ensuring the development of a skilled and sustainable workforce.
The Recruitment, Retention and Innovative Skills Training Program aims to help the agriculture and food industries recruit, train, and retain workers with the necessary skills for success. This program is open to industry associations, partnerships, and groups of producers and processors.
“Over the past few years, we have become much more aware of where our food comes from and who produces it here in BC,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “Farming and food production is tough work and rewarding work at the same time. We depend on generations of farmers around the province who put food on our tables. We also want to support new generations of food producers who are looking for opportunities available. I’m excited to see how this program will bring the next generation of workers to the sector.”
The program is backed by $4.3 million in funding and offers support for activities such as:
- Collaborating with community and training organizations to deliver short-term programs, equipping workers with essential skills for farms, orchards, greenhouses, and other food-producing sectors.
- Launching awareness campaigns and offering paid training and work experience to help recruit seasonal and full-time workers, including individuals re-entering the workforce.
- Developing recruitment campaigns, online job portals, and apps to promote job opportunities in B.C.’s agricultural sector and streamline the hiring process for Canadian seasonal workers during the harvest season.
- Promoting employment opportunities for underrepresented groups in agriculture, addressing barriers to workforce participation.
“IAF is so pleased to continue its role as a trusted partner delivering programs to B.C.’s agriculture and food sector,” said Jack DeWit, chair, IAF. “Addressing labor shortages in the sector will make the entire sector stronger.”
Applications for the program are now open, and more information can be found on the IAF website.
This initiative is part of the broader Agriculture and Food Workforce Development Initiative, supported by $15 million under the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement. With over 73,000 workers already employed in B.C.’s agriculture and food sectors, job opportunities in areas like tree fruits, greenhouses, and nurseries are expected to grow over the next eight years.
For application details, visit: IAF Recruitment and Retention Program.