The labor shortage in Canada’s agriculture industry is getting worse; for many years, this vital sector of the country’s economy has faced insurmountable difficulties as a result of this deficit.
The purpose of this post is to highlight where to look in Canada for the greatest agricultural jobs. There are 11 primary agricultural industries in Canada. They are as follows:
- Apiculture
- Aquaculture
- Beef and Dairy
- Field fruit and vegetable
- Grain and oilseed
- Greenhouse
- Nursery and floriculture
- Poultry and egg
- Sheep and goat
- Swine
- Tree fruit and vine
Labour Market Forecast
The value chain for agriculture and food is in danger if there is not enough labor available for this expanding primary industry.
Employers in the agri-food industry and other sector participants are most concerned about the persistent shortage of workers, especially those with the necessary abilities, who live close to agricultural jobs.
The largest industry in Canada is and will always be agriculture. There will always be jobs that require the work of farmhands, despite the fact that many procedures are becoming mechanized. How and where will you, then, locate Canada’s top agricultural jobs in 2023?
You might be shocked to learn that the most automated types of farming, such as grains and legumes, are still widely practiced in Canada’s central provinces.
Additionally, if you wait till the correct time of year, there are plenty of prospects for you in the fruit industry.
As a result of the prevalence of fruits including apricots, grapes, strawberries, cherries, apples, and peaches in Canada, the fruit business demands a lot of human work.
Where to Find a Job on a Farm in Canada
British Columbia
On Canada’s west coast, in the Kootenay and Okanagan Valleys of British Columbia, the peak fruit season runs from July to October.
As a result, preparations must be made prior to the harvest, beginning early in April. You might be able to land a permanent offer if you are capable, diligent, and proactive.
You may be eligible for permanent residency under the Agri-Food Pilot by securing a job on a farm. Unfortunately, the global pandemic has prevented this new immigration program, which was begun in May 2020, from reaching its full potential.
Nevertheless, a lot of agricultural employment in Canada will be opening up as we approach the 2021 harvest. The goal of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is to fill all open positions for permanent residence as soon as practicable.
The Agri-Food Pilot Program offers your family the chance to immigrate to Canada with you. Following are the occupation categories and available applicant spots:
Your prospective pay will vary based on the farm or ranch you work for, how many hours you put in each day, and how productive you are overall.
Therefore, the daily wage for harvesters and pickers ranges from $50 to $185. Fruit picking is paid on a piece-rate basis; nevertheless, you must always treat fruits carefully to avoid being penalized or not getting paid for damaged fruit.
Ontario
In Ontario, there are several seasonal and long-term employment options for farmworkers, notably in the spring and summer.
In addition, two thirds of Canada’s year-round greenhouse vegetable production is located in Ontario.
Additionally, as mentioned earlier in the Agri-Food Pilot Program, workers in the food processing industry are in great demand and have been listed by the IRCC as one of the most sought-after semi-skilled level jobs in Canada.
Carrots, mushrooms, sweet corn, green peas, and tomatoes are typical greenhouse crops that are readily available virtually all year long and demand constant labor.
Because there aren’t enough workers and processing facilities, some harvests have even had to shrink during the past five years.
To address this, the IRCC is helping foreign workers in the food processing industry who have permanent job offers to apply to become permanent residents of Canada.
Alberta
The Canadian Rocky Mountains, which spread and give way to prairie as you move west, encircle the entirety of the eastern portion of the province of Alberta. Due to the province’s varying topography, its agricultural diversity is substantially greater.
As a result, there are openings for farm managers, supervisors, grazers, herders, and feed truck drivers, along with a number of other in-demand positions in livestock farming.
How to Work on a Farm in Canada
What should you do in order to get a job offer in Canada? Get your foot in the door first, and then you can start accumulating all the necessary Canadian work experience.
You could start your search for a job in Canada by visiting well-known job sites like:
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
Obtaining a work permit will be the next action to take. You can submit an application for an employer-specific work permit along with your job offer.
If you are qualified and are granted a work permit, you are only allowed to work for the employers listed on your permission.
This merely implies that you will need to apply for a new work visa; it does not suggest that you will be unable to accept another employment offer when the present one expires.
Ready to Work in Canada?
For foreign farm laborers seeking to work in Canada for experience or to start a new life, 2023 will provide a wealth of opportunities. As noted above, there are numerous job-searching websites where you can find the greatest agricultural jobs in Canada for 2021.
You and your dependents will have the opportunity to become permanent residents of Canada once you have gained some worthwhile job experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a ton of incredible options in Canada if you’re interested in a career in agriculture. If you want to work in the industry, look into all your alternatives and carefully consider the various provinces and locations. You are sure to find the ideal career with so many options available to you!