The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) Welcomes Federal Investment to Strengthen Labour Market Intelligence and Workforce Development in Agriculture
Ottawa – March 12, 2026 – 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 dollar 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.
Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector plays a vital role in the country’s food security, economic stability, and rural prosperity. However, persistent domestic labour shortages and evolving skills requirements continue to challenge employers across the sector. Investments in sector-driven labour market intelligence will help employers, educators, policymakers, and job seekers make informed decisions and support the long-term growth of the industry.“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. “Canadian workers are the backbone of our economy, driving success in every corner of our country. By investing in key sectors and resources, we are equipping industries and workers with the tools they need to succeed today, and the confidence to lead tomorrow.”
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.”
The investment is part of a broader national effort to strengthen workforce planning across strategic sectors including construction, trucking, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, tourism, forestry, agriculture, mining, energy, information and communications technology, the environment, and the bio-economy.
“Reliable labour market information is critical to building a resilient workforce and ensuring the long-term growth of Canada’s agriculture sector,” said Cyr Couturier, Board Chair of CAHRC. “This investment reinforces the importance of industry-led research and collaboration. By working closely with employers, educators, and partners across the country, CAHRC will help ensure that agriculture has the workforce it needs to continue feeding Canadians and contributing to a strong national economy.”
The results of these projects will help inform future workforce strategies and ensure Canadian industries are equipped to respond to evolving economic conditions while creating meaningful opportunities for workers across the country.
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About the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC): The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council is a national, non-profit organization that delivers trusted labour market information, research, and workforce solutions for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. CAHRC works with industry, government, and stakeholders across the country to address workforce challenges and support the development of a skilled, resilient agricultural workforce.
Quick facts
- Recently, the Prime Minister announced a series of new strategic measures to protect workers and businesses in those sectors most impacted by U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions. These include measures to help transform Canada’s steel and softwood lumber industries, a new reskilling package for up to 50,000 workers, and the establishment of the Workforce Alliances and Sectoral Workforce Innovation Fund. Today's announcement supports these dedicated initiatives by providing key labour market information to inform and support national industrial strategies and projects, to further strengthen Canada’s key economic sectors and enhance workforce development.
- Labour market information is essential to tackling urgent government priorities, including adapting to tariffs, advancing major projects and supporting the housing agenda. It also supports decision-making and business leadership with key data and insights to ensure effective sectoral growth strategies.
- The sectors targeted through this initiative account for 66.2% of Canada’s total gross domestic product and employ about 9.9 million workers (47% of Canada’s total labour force).
- By investing in timely foundational labour market information across key economic sectors, the Government of Canada is not only responding to immediate challenges faced by workers and families but is also taking a long-term approach to building a stronger workforce, with opportunities for all Canadians.
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For media inquiries and further information, please contact
Mélanie Fraxedas
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Email: mfraxedas@cahrc-ccrha.ca