The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council has found that the agriculture industry could face more than 100,000 job vacancies by 2030.
According to a release, a study conducted by the Conference Board of Canada commissioned by CAHRC found a 15 per cent increase in job vacancies compared to the number of jobs in 2022 that Canadians and residents of Canada could not fill.
The report, titled Sowing Seeds of Change, states this is due in part to Canada’s aging population as more than 85,300 people — 30 per cent of the workforce — are expected to retire over the same period. The labour market information report says temporary foreign workers (TFW) will play an important role in narrowing the domestic labour gap. However, even with a projected increase in TFW employment by 2030, an estimated 20 per cent or 22,200 positions will remain vacant.
“Labour shortages are one of the most serious issues in agriculture because they have a direct impact on local food security, economic development and the sustainability of the sector,” says Jennifer Wright, executive director of CAHRC. “CAHRC’s labour market data offers the necessary insight to inform how we will tackle current and future challenges so our industry and its workforce can reach their full potential.”
According to the report, Alberta will have the highest percentage of retirees by 2030, exceeding 35 per cent of its current domestic workforce.
“This trend means that operations will need to replace valuable industry experience and knowledge held by older workers,” the report states.
“Employers are trying to get ahead of the problem by promoting mentorship to transfer knowledge and skills, an approach cityed by 61 per cent of employers surveyed. This is vital if workers who are expected to become managers are to have the necessary skills and knowledge required to fill the gaps left by retirees.”
The report makes recommendations to attract and retain more agriculture workers, including public education, to improve perceptions of agriculture, develop and update HR management practices, and adopt new technology and automation.