Farms.com Home   News

Agri-Food Pilot program extended to help meet labour issues

The Federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship has announced the extension of the Agri-Food Pilot.

Sean Fraser says the pilot program is being extended to May 14, 2025 to help meet the longstanding labour needs in the ag sector.

"Our farmers and food processors depend on the steady arrival of foreign workers so that planting, harvesting, and food processing activities can take place throughout the year, and they need our continued support to attract and retain these talented workers. Extending the Agri-Food Pilot helps these sectors find the employees they need, so we can be confident that our food security, economy, and living standards for Canadians across the country will continue to improve and grow."

Keith Currie, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture says one of the most significant challenges facing the agriculture sector in Canada is labour and skills shortages. 

Fraser also announced the removal of the limits on how many candidates can apply for a specific occupation under the pilot. 

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Farming For The Future

Video: Farming For The Future

We're seeing a decline in productive land, the nutritional value of our food and our connection to the natural world.

But by working in harmony with nature, regenerative agriculture revitalizes the soil, improves water management and fosters ecological balance.

Regenerative farms are leading the way, showing that what benefits the farm also benefits the climate. With land surrounded by rolling coulees, rugged badlands and the Rocky Mountains, Gerrid Knol, a second generation farmer in the heart of southern Alberta, understands the importance of working in harmony with nature.

In addition to using regenerative practices on his farm, Gerrid is a participant of Rural Routes to Climate Solution's Regenerative Agriculture Lab (RAL) and is working with others to determine how to increase the adoption of regenerative agriculture in Alberta.