A new initiative is set to assist the agriculture industry in Prince Edward Island (PEI) by improving workforce capacity and training.
Through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), over $300,000 is being allocated to launch the Agriculture Labour Sub-Program. This program is supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in collaboration with the PEI Department of Agriculture.
Its goal is to assist farmers and agricultural organizations in addressing workforce challenges while enhancing professional development opportunities for workers in the sector.
The program provides funding for a variety of activities, including:
- Recruitment initiatives and missions.
- Development of on-farm resources for employees whose primary language is not English.
- Training sessions and professional development programs.
- Strategies to improve access to childcare and transportation for workers.
- Participation in job fairs and trade shows.
- Costs associated with recruiting and retaining agricultural staff, including accommodations and registration fees.
This investment underscores the importance of agriculture in PEI, where key sectors such as potatoes, dairy, and beef are significant contributors to the local economy.
"From potatoes to beef and dairy – agriculture is one of the most important industries on the Island. By investing in people and providing new training and development opportunities, we can help ensure the sector remains strong for generations to come," said The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
"I am pleased to be continuing our efforts to support and build the workforce in our Agriculture industry. Addressing labour challenges in our industry is a mandate item for us, and by implementing this program alongside other Provincial initiatives, we remain committed to encouraging growth and development in the sector so that agriculture can continue to drive our economy." said The Honourable Bloyce Thompson, Prince Edward Island Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture.
This initiative is part of the broader Sustainable CAP, a five-year, $3.5-billion federal, provincial, and territorial investment. The program is designed to enhance the competitiveness, resilience, and innovation of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. Of the total funding, $1 billion is dedicated to federal programs, with the remaining $2.5 billion being cost-shared among provinces and territories.