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New funding to enhance Ontario's Agri-Food workforce

Oct 09, 2024
By Farms.com

$4 million initiative supports recruitment and retention of workers

 

In an effort to bolster Ontario's agri-food sector, the governments of Canada and Ontario have announced a $4 million investment through the Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative. This initiative aims to attract and retain skilled workers crucial for the continued growth of the agri-food industry in the province. 

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, highlighted the importance of having skilled workers, stating, “It’s vitally important that folks have skilled workers to get the job done.” The initiative will provide funding for job training, recruitment marketing campaigns, and support programs such as ridesharing and language training, making jobs in the agri-food sector more appealing.

Additionally, the initiative will facilitate the planning of on-site amenities and recreational facilities to enhance the working environment for employees. Successful producers and processors can access up to 50% in cost-share support for their projects, with a maximum grant of $40,000. Industry organizations can receive up to $100,000 for eligible projects.

Applications for funding will open on October 22, 2024, and close on September 2, 2025. This initiative builds on the existing Ontario Agri-Careers Support Initiative, which has been instrumental in addressing labour challenges within the sector.

This funding also supports the Grow Ontario Strategy's goal of increasing agri-food employment by 10% by 2032, while positioning Ontario as a top destination for International Agri-Food Workers. This investment is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which is a comprehensive five-year, $3.5 billion commitment designed to enhance the competitiveness and innovation of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors.


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US “Flash Drought” Worst in 133-160 Years + Disease taking a Bite out of US 2025 Corn/Soybean Crops

Video: US “Flash Drought” Worst in 133-160 Years + Disease taking a Bite out of US 2025 Corn/Soybean Crops


A dry August and a “flash drought” in the ECB (Eastern Corn Belt) the driest top 10 to 15 years in 150 to 160 years (Ohio the driest in 133 years) plus disease is taking a bite out of the 2025 U.S. corn and soybean crops.
It's going to be an early harvest. This could be the start of the 89-year drought cycle that may have been delayed until 2026 as La Nina maybe returning.
The USDA September crop report is all about record corn ears and record soybean counts but the October USDA crop report will be about pod and ear weights.
Stats Canada reported higher forecasts for the 2025 Canadian Prairies all wheat and canola crops vs. last year based on satellite imagery but are they overestimating production?
The 2025 Great ON Yield Tour and Quebec crop tours are projecting corn and soybean crops below the 10-year average.
China's Vice Commerce Ministry Li Chenggang visits Washington this week as we continue to connect the dots is a positive sign towards a China/U.S. trade deal. But will U.S. farmers have a winter without China as they buy more soybeans from Uruguay/Argentina? U.S. Northern Plain soybean farmers are seeing red with flat prices at $8.97/bu!
U.S. corn exports on record pace up 99% vs. last year.
Fund short covering continues in corn futures bottom is in!