The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) will be leading a new initiative, Advancing BC’s Agricultural Workforce: HR Tools Development and Employer Training for Sustainable Growth. This project will address labour challenges and support workforce retention in British Columbia’s agriculture and food-processing industries.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia through the Agriculture and Food Workforce Development Initiative (AWDI). An initiative delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.

Advancing BC’s Agriculture Workforce will focus on enhancing HR tools, best practices, and training programs to ensure long-term sector sustainability. The project complements the Human Resources for Agriculture Employers Program being delivered by AgSafe BC: https://agsafebc.ca/human-resources/

In 2022, 42 per cent of agriculture employers in British Columbia were unable to find all the workers required. This project is expected to reduce this challenge, improving workforce retention and productivity while addressing critical labour shortages.

The project includes five key initiatives:

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• Adapting the AgriHR Toolkit to align with BC’s employment legislation, workplace safety standards, and industry-specific case studies while ensuring accessibility for employers through training and awareness initiatives.

• Providing tailored HR training and resources to enhance workforce management capabilities across the sector.

• Establishing an online hub for AgriHR advisors, facilitating industry collaboration through webinars, and creating a framework for ongoing knowledge-sharing.

• Conducting industry consultations, focus groups, and outreach efforts to ensure alignment with sector needs and priorities.

• Developing a long-term strategy to extend the impact of HR tools and training beyond the project’s completion.

Source:  Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council March 19, 2025 news release