Our farm community is in serious need of thousands of local workers. Typically, Canadian farmers rely on 60,000 temporary foreign workers every year to grow the food that eventually reaches our plates. This year, even with Federal Government assistance, it is uncertain how many of these skilled workers will come to Canada due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Every farm operation has different labour needs. Hiring local workers, especially those with applicable skills, will help many farmers but not all, to get the help they need while boosting the local economy. Many companies are letting employees go as a result of COVID-19, and thousands of high school, college, and university students are seeking new seasonal jobs. Right now, there are many employment opportunities on Canada’s farms.