Overview
CAHRC Diversity Initiatives
CAHRC recognizes that women, Indigenous people, immigrants, and persons with disabilities are underrepresented and have a valuable role to play in the agricultural workforce.
AgriWomen. Women play an important role in Canadian agriculture, but they are still underutilized. CAHRC supports women in agriculture by connecting them to career resources, sponsoring original research, and producing profiles and case studies to highlight the significant contribution women make to the sector.
Indigenous Agriculture. The Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council (CAHRC) initiated a project to explore with the Indigenous community ways to increase Indigenous participation in the agriculture population as operators and through employment.
Non-traditional Agricultural Labour Sources. Attracting and retaining non-traditional labour sources, including immigrants, and persons with disabilities, is critical to ensuring that the sector can meet its labour needs. CAHRC supports this goal by commissioning original research and pilot project plans to encourage participation among under-represented groups.
National Women in Agriculture and Agri-Food Network Project
Project Highlights
The National Women in Agriculture and Agri-Food Network Project is committed to fostering the advancement of women in agriculture by addressing critical barriers and creating opportunities for leadership development. Here are some of the main components and goals of the project:
National Women in Agriculture Network:
- Developing an Action Plan in collaboration with regional/provincial organizations.
- Establishing mission, vision, and values statements to guide the network.
- Setting short and long-term objectives to achieve 30% leadership representation by 2030.
- Implementing an interim governance structure to guide decision-making until a formal board is established.
- Engaging stakeholders through a series of webinars to validate the Action Plan and gather feedback.
Research and Surveys:
- Marking the 10th anniversary of the Supporting the Advancement of Women in Agriculture (SAWA) initiative by updating and distributing a national survey.
- Conducting focus groups and key informant interviews to validate the survey results.
- Publishing a report comparing findings from 2015 and 2025, with actionable recommendations for future progress.
Networking and Professional Development:
- Facilitating regional and community networking events to connect women in agriculture.
- Providing funding and resources for local groups to support professional development activities.
- Developing manuals and guidelines to help community leaders organize successful events.
Knowledge Mobilization:
- Ensuring that research findings, the Action Plan, and all related activities are communicated effectively to industry stakeholders and the public.
- Utilizing social media, articles, infographics, presentations, media interviews, white papers, and op-eds to raise awareness and share progress.
Read more on how to organize your event and all the frequently asked questions.
Organize an event in your town!
Organize a National Women in Agriculture and Agri-food Event in your town!
We are excited to invite community leaders to apply for funding to host events that empower and connect women in agriculture and agri-foods. Here is everything you need to know:
Who Can Apply?
- Community Leaders: One or two women from the community can apply to organize an event.
- Businesses: businesses can apply directly, or be matched with communities to provide support.
Event Types
We offer templates for the following event types:
- Navigating Grant System
- How To instructional workshops
- Experts for each province
- Green initiative (i.e., crop specialists)
- HR Leadership
- Women leadership program
- Mental Health
- Human Resources and Equity Diversity and Inclusiveness training
- EmpowHER
- Empowering women on farms to learn new skills (i.e., operating equipment, accounting, finance, sales, and introduction to agronomy)
- Networking Symposium In-person learning
- Themed networking events
Custom Events: If you have a unique idea for a different type of event, you are welcome to request funding for it in the application form. While the options above provide guidelines and templates, we recognize that each community has its own needs and characteristics. We encourage you to customize events to best suit your community’s interests and strengths.
Funding and Support
- Funding Provided: The funding available is small. For larger events or events open to more people, we encourage you to reach out to community businesses for additional support and sponsorship.
- Community Engagement: Partnering with local businesses not only helps cover costs but also increases community involvement and spreads awareness about the events.
Application Process
- Fill Out the Application Form: Provide details about your event, including the type and any support you need.
- Selection Committee: A selection committee will review all applications to ensure they meet our criteria.
- Funding Rounds:
- First Round: Initial selection and funding of events.
- Second Round: If there is leftover funding after the first round, applications may reopen for additional events.
How to Apply
- Navigate to the online Application Form: National Women in Agriculture & Agri-foods Network Events Application
- Complete the Form: Provide all required information and details about your proposed event.
- Submit the Form: please only submit one application.
Important Dates
- Application will remain open until all funding is allocated.
- Event Confirmation: Communities to be notified once the selection process is complete.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with your application, please contact Rebecca Balsdon at rbalsdon@cahrc-ccrha.ca.
FAQ
What is the National Women in Agriculture and Agri-Foods Networking Event Funding?
The Women in Agriculture and Agri-Food Network project offers funding for training or networking events in your community. The objective of these community events is to connect women in agriculture for the exchange of information and professional development.
Local groups can apply through this online application process hosted by CAHRC to access funding to support activities under the following three themes:
- Navigating Grant System
- How To instructional workshops
- Experts for each province
- Green initiative (i.e., crop specialists)
- HR Leadership
- Women leadership program
- Mental Health
- Human Resources and Equity Diversity and Inclusiveness training
- EmpowHER
- Empowering women on farms to learn new skills (i.e., operating equipment, accounting, finance, sales, and introduction to agronomy)
- Networking Symposium In-person learning
- Themed networking events
Who can apply?
Women from agricultural communities across Canada! Community members, businesses, or associations are all encouraged to apply. CAHRC recognizes that “women” is not a single group, but rather is inclusive of multiple and intersecting identities, including those who identify as women, ranging in age, race/ethnicity, experience, and contribution within the agriculture industry
What happens if my application is approved?
To facilitate an event in your community, we require a lead organizer to collaborate with CAHRC in planning and executing the training. As the lead organizer, your responsibilities will include:
- Selecting an appropriate date for the event.
- Securing a suitable venue equipped with necessary audio-visual facilities.
- Coordinating catering services.
- Promoting the event within the community.
- Recruiting attendees.
- Collaborating with local businesses for sponsorship opportunities.
- Providing feedback to CAHRC on the event's execution and outcomes.
- Submitting all training-related expenses to CAHRC for reimbursement.
CAHRC will work closely with you to ensure the successful organization and delivery of the training program.
What does the community fund cover?
The fund covers:
- Speaker fees
- Marketing materials
- Catering
- Room rental (if needed)
Costs are capped, we encourage you to seek local business donations for additional support.
How do I apply?
Visit our website and fill out the application form for your chosen event or unique idea.
When will I know if my application is approved?
We will notify applicants within 4 weeks of submission.
Can multiple communities collaborate on an event?
Yes, collaborations are welcome! Joint applications can help maximize resources and impact.
What support will CAHRC provide?
CAHRC will assist with planning, provide some promotional materials, and cover approved expenses. We will also offer guidance throughout the process.
How can I ensure high attendance at my event?
Promote the event widely in your community, partner with local businesses, and use social media to reach a broader audience.
Can we charge attendees for the event?
Yes, you can charge a nominal fee to cover additional costs or to support future events.
What types of sponsorships can local businesses provide?
Local businesses can sponsor various aspects such as catering, venue, or marketing materials. They can also provide in-kind contributions like equipment or volunteer time.
Agri Women
Women play an important role in Canadian agriculture. Women working in the primary agriculture sector occupy positions in every industry from beef to beekeeping, from entry-level workers to farm owners.
But women have a bigger role to play. They make up 50 per cent of the general population, but only 30 per cent of the total agricultural workforce. And when we look at the proportion of women who go on to assume leadership roles, it is much smaller than the proportion of men who do so.
When women are not represented at the leadership and decision-making level, it hurts them and it hurts the entire industry. Numerous studies show that increasing gender diversity improves productivity, profitability, and retention. For the agriculture sector, which faces significant and increasing labour challenges in the coming years, increasing the proportion of women in the workforce at every level is crucial to success.
Promote women leaders in the workplace.
Strong leadership is essential to a thriving agricultural business. But many qualified and experienced women are not being given the support and recognition they need to assume leadership roles. As a result, women are underrepresented at the leadership level in agricultural businesses.
This doesn't just have consequences for the women themselves. The issue negatively impacts the entire agriculture sector, which needs strong leadership and diverse perspectives to enhance its profitability and competitiveness. In general, greater workplace diversity improves productivity and worker retention, and women-led companies tend to outperform the average financially.
Agricultural businesses need to do a better job of identifying, supporting, and promoting women with leadership potential. Addressing the issue begins with a recruitment process that encourages and values women applicants, and policies and processes that make training and advancement opportunities available to women employees.
Attract more women to your agricultural board.
Research shows that more women than men enroll in post-secondary education and participate in leadership programs, yet they are still underrepresented at the board level. As a result, women who are experienced, educated, committed, and have a valuable contribution to make are not getting the opportunity to make their voices heard.
This situation not only prevents women from achieving their full potential, it also diminishes the effectiveness of agricultural leadership as a whole. Boards with a more equal mix of genders are likely to make better decisions, achieve higher financial returns, and attract a wider range of talent.
To achieve greater gender diversity, boards must look at their current procedures and policies with a view to making them more inclusive of and welcoming to women candidates. By examining the codes of conduct, recruitment and selection processes, and other key elements of governance, organizations can start to build a more diverse and impactful board.
Best-Practice Guide to Enhancing Board Diversity
CAHRC has developed a free best-practice guide for industry association leaders, including CEOs, presidents, executive directors, and the board executive.
The guide includes policy templates, checklists, and step-by-step best practices for benchmarking and improving the inclusiveness of your board.
Workplace Diversity Tools
CAHRC supports workplace diversity by developing practical tools designed to help agricultural employers become an inclusive, supportive employer of choice.
The AGRI HR Toolkit addresses the unique needs of the agriculture industry and promotes an inclusive and diverse workplace environment. Based on extensive industry research and field testing, the toolkit includes everything agricultural employers need to improve their people-management skills and develop key resources to help them find, retain, and support employees.
Learn how to:
- Create a more accepting workplace
- Avoid discrimination and legal issues
- Attract a wider range of job applicants
- Develop a diversity program
- Identify hidden biases in the workplace
Diversity Reports
CAHRC commissions and contributes to reports and discussion papers that further the conversation about inclusion and diversity in agriculture. Publications include:
A Way Forward on Diversity and Inclusion
In October 2018, CAHRC hosted a forum to build on industry-wide conversations about increasing inclusion and diversity in Canadian agriculture. This discussion paper summarizes the recommended actions from this meeting.
Success in Agriculture: A Gendered Perspective of Social Networks
This study examines the social networks of individuals within the agriculture sector specifically as a way of understanding how social connections inform career progression.
Supporting the Advancement of Women in Agriculture: Needs Assessment
This report examines and addresses critical barriers to advancement facing women in the agriculture sector.
Options and Opportunities for Attracting Non-Traditional Workers to the Agricultural Industry (Report 1 of 3)
This report investigates opportunities and barriers to participation among three traditionally under-represented populations in the agricultural workforce. This report examines innovative approaches to increase agricultural employment among under-represented labour sources through an examination of 14 success case studies, and identifies common success criteria evident across 10 case studies. This report summarizes the activities associated with the pilot projects for increasing agricultural labour force participation among under-represented groups.
New Opportunities for Expanding the Agricultural Workforce Pilot Projects with Under-represented Groups (Report 2 of 3)
This report examines innovative approaches to increase agricultural employment among under-represented labour sources through an examination of 14 success case studies, and identifies common success criteria evident across 10 case studies.
Addressing Barriers to Agricultural Employment and Expanding the Agricultural Workforce Pilot Projects (Report 3 of 3)
This report summarizes the activities associated with the pilot projects for increasing agricultural labour force participation among under-represented groups.
Additional Resources
CAHRC recommends these resources to help agricultural employers and stakeholders learn to become more supportive of diversity in the sector.
Welcome to Black Canada: How to Take Action
This list of resources includes information and activities for people who want to learn more about the Black experience and actively support Black people in their communities.
Anti-racism Resources
This list includes articles, podcasts, videos, books, films, and social media accounts that serve as a resource to white people who wish to deepen their anti-racism work.
Structural Racism in the Food System: Perspectives from Black Women Scholars
Hosted by the Inter-Institutional Network for Food, Agriculture, and Sustainability (INFAS), this webinar features three Black women scholars from historically Black colleges and universities describe their unique perspectives on the issue of structural racism in the food system.
Reconciliation Canada
Born from the vision of Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, Gwawaenuk Elder, Reconciliation Canada is leading the way in engaging Canadians in dialogue and transformative experiences that revitalize the relationships among Indigenous peoples and all Canadians. Website includes reports, videos, and more.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
This website contains statements, documents and other resources collected during a multi-year process to listen to Survivors, communities and others affected by the Residential School system.
The Together We Grow Coalition
Comprised of 45 agriculture industry, agribusiness, education and government members, the coalition was formed in 2016 with the goal of growing a diverse pipeline of talent—now and into the future—for the U.S. Agriculture industry.
“We are committed to working together to build a modern workforce with the capacity to meet the needs of a growing world. We will set an industry standard that values inclusiveness and diversity to ensure that the sector realizes its full potential.”
—Joint National Industry Statement on Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity
Indigenous Agriculture
First Nations and Indigenous people history in agriculture and agri-foods today has existed long before Canada confederated. There has always been a relationship between Indigenous people and the land. Indigenous people harvested plants, ranched livestock, and cultivated plants to create medicines and design companion planting systems like the Three Sisters[1]. Canada’s agriculture and agri-foods industry is critical to the sustainability and independence of the country, and of growing importance to Indigenous communities nationwide.
As part of our mandate to support human resource development in the sector, CAHRC continues to work on providing research, tools and understanding to support an equitable, inclusive and diverse workforce in primary agriculture.
An example of this work includes exploring with the Indigenous community ways to increase Indigenous participation in the agriculture population as operators and through employment. Another example includes conducting research focused on Indigenous farm management training to further support the development of agriculture and agri-food initiatives.
CAHRC continues to build relationships with Indigenous communities and producers through these initiatives.
Growing Security: Summary of Agriculture and Agri-foods Zoom Discussions
[1] Three Sisters companion planting – is a companion planting system where beans, corn and squash are planted together – each helps the other to survive. www.nativeseeds.org/blogs/blog-news/how-to-grow-a-three-sisters-garden
Sharing Circles - 2023 - CoP
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ntiSy4MIThe3DBH74XYTgA
For the last two years, the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council has been co-hosting free online National Indigenous Agriculture and Food Sharing Circles (2021, 2022). These sessions offered a glimpse into how Indigenous people are leading and restoring cultural practices in agriculture. With Indigenous and industry experts sharing their experiences in agriculture, aquaculture, and traditional foods. The sessions offered both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous agricultural practices and facilitate connection and collaboration.
This year, CAHRC is continuing these sessions by providing further opportunities to promote the sharing of knowledge, the facilitation of connection and collaboration through our Communities of Practice, and training opportunities with best practices for Indigenous agricultural operations.
When Are The Sessions?
This year's sessions will be hosted online bi-weekly, starting Wednesday, November 22, 2023 and ending on March 6, 2024. The sessions are an hour long, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm ET
Who Should Attend?
The free sessions are open to all interested in growing Indigenous – First Nations, Métis and Inuit – practices and successes in Indigenous agriculture, harvesting and food packaging. Please share this invitation with others:
- Indigenous people, First Nations, Métis and Inuit and all Indigenous people
- Other Agriculture industry and government organizations, educational and health agencies
- Cross border Indigenous communities are welcome!
This Year's Topics:
- November 22, 2023 – Indigenous Youth in Agriculture – speakers share how Indigenous youth are reconnecting to the land through agriculture, farms, and STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math).
- December 6, 2023 -An Agriculture and Foods Indigenous and Corporate Partnership – A Success Story – this story will speak on how they connected, what inspired and launched their partnership and what they are doing to plan for succession by Indigenous people.
- December 20, 2023 – Storing Fish & Other Foods – learn how Indigenous people are storing by canning, jarring, and smoking fish, and other foods.
- January 10, 2024 – Planting for Climate Change: Regenerative Agriculture – from the beginning of time, Indigenous peoples managed their lands to live in harmony and be abundant for future generations. Today, these for soil health and climate change through land management like permaculture, planting pollinators, and native plants.
- January 24, 2024 – Community Gardens – can promote food security and bring communities together. Learn how to start, key considerations, and the critical elements of keeping a community garden going.
- February 7, 2024 – Connecting & Supporting Indigenous Farming: The Role of Support Agencies – this session shares examples of how Indigenous and other agencies and funders support Indigenous and agriculture start-ups and expansion. Ask questions and make connections with these agencies.
- February 21, 2024 – Indigenous Practices in Harvesting and Foraging – discover safe practices of harvesting and foraging non-timber forest items like mushrooms and berries and honour our ancestors’ sustainable harvesting practices.
- March 6, 2024 – Indigenous Women in Agriculture Panel – women are entering the agriculture industry at faster rates than men. Be inspired by Indigenous women in farms and food production from across Canada.
Visit these links to view Sharing Circles of:
- 2021 – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv48Uir6JVgrRbv7BUtk2-aBxHVU8E3E2
- 2022 – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv48Uir6JVgrSdhV4P6FaOtGnAI_cZdBD
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ntiSy4MIThe3DBH74XYTgA
Please note that session dates and/or topics may change.
Sharing Circles - 2022 - How To
In fall 2022 CAHRC hosted a series of sharing circles with Indigenous and industry experts across Canada to learn more about Indigenous agricultural practices and facilitate an opportunity for connection and collaboration.
The 2022 sessions focused around "How To" covering topics such as composting, storage, greenhousing and community gardening, food labelling, and apiary.
You can watch these sessions here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv48Uir6JVgrSdhV4P6FaOtGnAI_cZdBD
Sharing Circles - 2021
Learn how First Nations and Indigenous people are leading and restoring cultural practices in agriculture. Indigenous and Industry Experts share their experiences in agriculture, aquaculture and traditional foods. Sharing Circles are for anyone who is working in agriculture, community gardens or packaging/processing food products – or would like to learn more.
November-December 2021
November 9 - Community Agriculture and Gardening
November 16 - Livestock and Seafood
November 23 - Production, Marketing and Packaging
November 30 – Greenhouse Production
December 7 - Traditions, Processing & Storage
Facilitated by Kławum’ Paŧki (Beverley O’Neil), Citizen of Ktunaxa Nation / O'Neil Marketing & Consulting & Numa Communications
Non-traditional Agricultural Labour Sources
Supporting Canada's non-traditional agricultural labour sources.
Canada's agriculture sector faces unique challenges that impact its ability to attract and retain enough workers. In 2014, 26,400 jobs went unfilled in Canada's agriculture sector, costing $1.5 billion in lost revenues. The situation will worsen between now and 2025, by which time the agriculture sector's labour gap is expected to double.
With a growing need for labour of every type, including entry-level workers, managerial staff, specialists, and owner-operators, the sector must explore new options. By considering non-traditional labour sources and taking steps to support non-traditional labour in the workplace, the agriculture sector can improve its ability to find and keep the workers needed to support continued growth.
To this end, CAHRC commissioned a series of research reports that examine the potential of non-traditional labour sources, which include Indigenous people, immigrants, and persons with disabilities. The research explores some of the barriers that prevent these groups from joining the agricultural labour force, and identifies innovative approaches, new opportunities, and success criteria for increasing participation.
Options and Opportunities for Attracting Non-Traditional Workers to the Agricultural Industry
This report consolidates data research, focus-group findings, and an environmental scan of existing programs and services to identify Indigenous people, immigrants, and persons with disabilities as three sources of non-traditional labour with the potential to make a contribution to the agriculture sector labour force.
The report also identifies barriers to employment and options for addressing these barriers, and includes an overview of the input provided by focus groups conducted with employment services agencies that work with each of the three non-traditional labour sources.
New Opportunities for Expanding the Agricultural Workforce: Pilot Projects with Under-Represented Groups
Building on the research conducted in the March 2015 report, CAHRC commissioned three pilot project plans to expand the participation of Indigenous people, immigrants, and persons with disabilities in the agricultural workforce.
This report examines innovative approaches to increase agricultural employment among these labour sources through an examination of 14 success case studies, and identifies common success criteria evident across 10 case studies.
All 14 case studies, along with the case study interview template, are also included in this report.
Addressing Barriers to Agriculture Employment and Expanding the Agriculture Workforce Pilot Projects
This final report summarizes the activities associated with the pilot projects for increasing agricultural labour force participation among Indigenous people, immigrants, and persons with disabilities.
The contents include a summary of the research, consultation, industry validation, success case study development, and success criteria identification. The process for recruitment and selection of pilot project sites and the development of a hiring guide for target labour sources is also described.
The report includes an interim summative evaluation of the pilot projects, including outcomes, applicant perspectives, strengths and challenges of the projects, and lessons learned.
Summative Evaluation Report of the Researching Barriers to Agricultural Employment Pilot Projects
This report delivers a complete summative evaluation to assess the impact of the planning, implementation, and communication of the pilot projects.
The report also evaluates the performance of the pilot projects against intended goals and metrics, including the number of new hires from the three non-traditional labour sources targeted, including Indigenous people, immigrants, and persons with disabilities.