The British Columbia Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA) has released a 36-page report analyzing the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) programs H-2A in the United States and Seasonal Agricultural Work Program (SAWP) in Canada. The research author concludes that a potential pilot project could reduce costs and barriers of SAWP employers, particularly for producers on small farms.

The Single-Employer-Specific Model of SAWP currently in place creates additional barriers for small farms in Canada. With the goal of expanding the definition of “employer,” within the existing TFW program, the pilot project would create more flexibility, affordability, and accessibility for both employers and workers.

“The BCFGA seeks to remove or reduce the employment barriers for small growers by developing a proposal for a pilot program that mirrors the successful employer group model in the H2-A program in the U.S.,” said Sukhdeep Brar, vice-president of the BCFGA.

At present, owners of small-sized Canadian farms face barriers in participating in the SAWP. They are:  

-  The ability to be eligible for TFW, as the amount of work on the farm is less than the minimum required for a single employer.

-  The ability for TFWs to transfer employers more than twice.

-  Added costs for producers due to fewer work days to spread the seasonal costs of housing and transportation

“Finding more ways for smaller growers to participate in SAWP, while maintaining protections for workers

and the program integrity is a good project,” said Reg Ens, general manager of Western Agriculture Labour Initiative.

The adjustment to allow a group of employers to participate as a single entity could have major benefits to employers utilizing SAWP in British Columbia and enhance the program for the future.

For the entire report, link here: https://bit.ly/3ZD6aI6

Source:  British Columbia Fruit Growers’ Association March 31, 2023 news release