The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) welcomes a significant investment from the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program aimed at strengthening workforce development and labour market intelligence across Canada’s key economic sectors, including agriculture and agri-food.
 

The funding will support 14 sector organizations, including the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC), in developing consistent, foundational labour market information (LMI) and practical workforce tools to help industries address labour shortages, support job seekers, and adapt to a rapidly changing economic landscape. 
 

Through this $6.9 million investment over the next five years, CAHRC will expand its work delivering trusted labour market intelligence and workforce solutions for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. The Harvesting Success: Workforce Development and Labour Market Solutions for Canadian Agriculture project will support the development of real-time, enhanced labour market and skills forecasting and analysis, and employer-focused tools designed to better align workforce supply and demand across the agricultural value chain. It will also enable the continued work of the National Workforce Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Food and Beverage Manufacturing, including bringing industry together in an annual Workforce Summit.

“Building a strong economy means understanding existing gaps and barriers and helping our workforce access meaningful opportunities,” said the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. 

CAHRC’s work under this initiative will focus on delivering timely and actionable labour market insights for employers and industry stakeholders, helping them better understand workforce trends, emerging skills needs, and opportunities for growth. The initiative will also support the development of tools and resources to strengthen workforce planning, improve recruitment and retention strategies, and support skills development across the agriculture and agri-food sector.

“Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector depends on a strong, skilled workforce to remain competitive and resilient,” said Jennifer Wright, executive director of CAHRC. “This investment will allow us to deepen the labour market intelligence that producers, employers, educators, and policymakers rely on to make informed decisions. By strengthening the evidence base and providing practical tools for industry, we can better support workforce development and ensure the sector is positioned for long-term success.”

Source:  Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council March 12, 2026 news release