The British Columbia Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA) welcomed the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., Jamaica’s minister of labour and social security and a senior Jamaican delegation to the Okanagan on July 28 and 29 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Jamaican-Canadian Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP). 

The two-day visit recognized the mutually beneficial partnership that has developed between Jamaican workers, Canadian farm employers, communities and governments over six decades. 

The Okanagan program included farm visits and direct conversations with workers and employers, culminating in an Employer and Worker Recognition Reception hosted by the BCFGA in Kelowna on July 28. Minister Charles was joined by the Honourable Lana Popham, BC’s minister of agriculture and food, regional MLAs Gavin Dew, Kristina Loewen and Donegal Wilson, Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas and several members of City Council; senior staff from the offices of MPs Fuhr and Anderson; and representatives from the governments of Canada and Jamaica, the Jamaican Liaison Service and British Columbia’s agriculture sector. Jamaican workers with 20 or more years of service and Canadian employers with at least 15 years of partnership with Jamaica were recognized for their sustained contributions to the program. 

“Governments sign agreements, officials draft policies and institutions build frameworks, but it is people who give a partnership its heart,” said Minister Charles. “This programme has lasted because workers chose excellence even when no one was watching, employers chose fairness season after season and liaison officers chose service.” 

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program provides significant benefits to both countries. Experienced Jamaican workers help British Columbia growers produce and harvest crops at critical points in the agricultural season, supporting farm viability, food production and rural communities. 

At the same time, the program provides Jamaican workers with recurring seasonal employment and income that supports families, creates educational opportunities and strengthens communities in Jamaica. 

In 2026, 1,263 Jamaican workers are serving farms across British Columbia and Alberta, supporting crop production, business competitiveness and agricultural communities throughout Western Canada. 

“SAWP is a true partnership,” said Deep Brar, president, BCFGA. “British Columbia growers rely on the experience, skill and commitment of Jamaican workers, while the program provides meaningful seasonal employment that supports workers, families and communities in Jamaica. Its 60-year history demonstrates what can be achieved when workers, employers, governments and liaison services build relationships based on trust, respect and shared responsibility.” 

The Jamaica Liaison Service has been central to that success. Its Kelowna office, established in 2007, provides direct support to Jamaican workers and Canadian employers throughout British Columbia and Alberta and serves as an important bridge between farms, workers and the Government of Jamaica. 

The visit also provided an opportunity for the BCFGA, the Jamaican delegation and Canadian and British Columbia government representatives to discuss program performance, agricultural workforce needs and opportunities for continued collaboration. 

Source:  BC Fruit Growers’ Association July 31, 2026 news release