Exploring the Workforce Dynamics in Canadian Agriculture

Apr 24, 2024

Canada's agriculture sector plays a crucial role not only in feeding the nation but also in bolstering the economy. In 2022, the sector produced a staggering $118.6 billion worth of goods, with $36.8 billion exported internationally. But behind these impressive numbers is a diverse workforce that ensures the wheels of agriculture keep turning.

A significant portion of this workforce is seasonal. In 2022, nearly half of the 278,373 individuals employed in this sector worked from May to November, the primary growing season. This seasonal nature of work reflects the fluctuating demand for labour in farming activities, which peak during the planting and harvest periods in Canada.

The role of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) is particularly noteworthy. These workers are essential, especially when local labour is insufficient to meet peak seasonal demands. In 2022, the agriculture sector employed 64,660 TFWs, marking a 6.0% increase from the previous year.

They represented nearly one in four agricultural workers in Canada, with a significant number working in Ontario's robust greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture industries.

Ontario reported 79,852 agricultural workers in 2022, the province is known not just for its volume of workers but also for its substantial agricultural output, generating $21.8 billion in farm cash receipts in the same year.

However, securing enough labour remains a challenge, evidenced by the 14,611 job vacancies in the sector in 2022. The reliance on TFWs underscores a critical dependency on external labour sources, predominantly from Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica, to sustain agricultural production.

As Canada continues to navigate the complexities of agricultural labour, the importance of these workers cannot be overstated.

They ensure that Canadian tables are graced with fresh produce year-round and contribute significantly to the nation’s economy through their hard work and dedication.

The ongoing management of this labour force is key to maintaining the stability and growth of agriculture in Canada, reflecting a sector that is as dynamic as it is essential.

Video: Jim Smalley: The Voice That Defined Saskatchewan Agriculture Journalism | CKRM 100th Anniversary

Our next 620 CKRM Icon is Jim Smalley. Jim reflects on his remarkable career, from his early days in Ontario and his first steps into news, to his move west and his lasting impact on Saskatchewan’s airwaves.

After joining CKRM in 1982, Jim spent more than four decades as one of the province’s most trusted and recognizable voices. Jim defined agricultural journalism — not just in Saskatchewan, but across Canada. His commitment to telling the stories of farmers, rural communities, and the people behind the headlines set the standard. Now retired from the newsroom that proudly bears his name, Jim shares memorable stories from his time on air. A broadcaster, a storyteller, and a true voice of Saskatchewan — Jim Smalley’s legacy continues to resonate at CKRM and beyond.