Canadian agriculture needs a labour strategy, says FCC

Jun 07, 2013

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) chief agriculture economist is advocating that agricultural stakeholders need to focus on a labour strategy.

Jean Philippe Gervais, FCC’s chief agricultural economist says that labour is a vital asset on the farm, noting that agribusinesses need a comprehensive employee recruitment and retention plan for workers. Gervais expresses concern over key trends such as an ageing population and urbanization as having an impact on the availability of finding good skilled farm labour. The demand for farm labour is growing as Canadian agriculture production expands. According to Statistics Canada, wages for agriculture workers increased by 22% during the past five years. Despite this, the agriculture sector continues to lag behind other primary based industries, such as oil, gas and mining, which typically offer higher wages.

Lyndon Carlson, FCC’s vice-president, said that the agriculture community should speak positively about the industry and talk about the opportunities available. Carlson encourages producers and agribusinesses to participate in the Agriculture More Than Ever campaign.

The following are some key recruitment and retention advice:

•Host a job fair to attract potential employees.

•Engage on social media (LinkedIn) and post on online job boards.

•Post videos showing team work and company success.

•Consider recruiting summer students (co-op or interns)

•Use a firm to assist with overseas agriculture recruitment.

Video: Syngenta Ag Stories - Reanna Hagel, Channel Marketing Manager

Growing up on a cow-calf operation and small feedlot near Lumby, BC, Reanna learned agriculture the hands-on way with her sister on the family farm. Today, as Channel Marketing Manager for Syngenta Canada, what Reanna loves most about her work is simple: the customer is always at the centre. Whether that's a grower or a channel partner, she understands them on a personal level - because she's the daughter of one. But for Reanna, supporting ag doesn't stop at her job. She volunteers with local 4-H clubs, lends a hand to her farming neighbours, and is raising her own kids to understand and respect the land. Her advice to the next generation? "It's an amazing time to be in the industry - it's going to look completely different in 20 years. To be part of the evolution is very exciting."