If you’ve always wanted to work as farm workers in Canada, you’ve come to the right place. Did you know that the Great White North is looking for new agricultural jobs, with a total of 15,200 openings for farmers from 2019 to 2028?

According to Canada Job Bank, this will result in 17,000 new job seekers, implying that the labor market will maintain a healthy balance between labor supply and demand beginning in 2019 and continuing through 2028. This is very promising for the year 2028.

Because of the long-term demand for agricultural workers, farmers in the north can see a promising, sustainable future for themselves and their families. We break down the current provinces in Canada that need farm workers, the appropriate programs for farmers, and how to apply to get started on an adventure of a lifetime in this article.

In this blog post, we will look at the process of immigrating to Canada to work on farms and stables, the benefits of doing so, and what to expect from this unique and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or looking for a change of pace, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about working on farms and stables in Canada.

The Easiest Provinces in Canada to Migrate as Farm Workers

To work as a farm worker in Canada, you must first identify the provinces and territories that need labor and the skills you have to offer. Canada is also an excellent place to work for those interested in pursuing a career in agriculture. Canada’s agriculture industry is thriving, thanks to vast amounts of farmland and a growing demand for skilled workers, and there are numerous opportunities for farm workers to immigrate and work in the country. 

Immigrating to Canada, on the other hand, can be a daunting process, with many factors to consider, including the province or territory in which you want to live and work. Let’s look at the best provinces in Canada for farm workers, taking into account factors like job availability, immigration policies, and cost of living.

Saskatchewan: Known as the “breadbasket of Canada,” Saskatchewan has a strong agricultural industry, with farming employing a large portion of the province’s workforce. Saskatchewan also has a low cost of living, which makes it an appealing option for those looking to immigrate to Canada.

Manitoba: Manitoba has a strong agricultural industry that focuses on livestock production and grain farming. The province also has a low unemployment rate and a low cost of living, making it an appealing option for those seeking agricultural work.

Alberta: Although Alberta has a diverse economy, agriculture remains an important industry, particularly in the province’s south. The cost of living in Alberta may be higher than in other provinces, but agricultural jobs are plentiful.

Ontario: Ontario is Canada’s most populous province, and while its economy is diverse, agriculture remains an important industry. The province has a high standard of living, but it can be expensive, especially in larger cities like Toronto. However, there are numerous job opportunities for farm workers in Ontario, particularly in the province’s southwest.

British Columbia: British Columbia is known for its natural beauty, but it also has a thriving agricultural industry, particularly in the Okanagan and Fraser Valleys. Although the cost of living in British Columbia can be high, the province provides numerous job opportunities for farm workers.

Quebec: While Quebec is well-known for its strong manufacturing sector, agriculture remains an important part of the economy. In addition, compared to other provinces, the province has a relatively low cost of living, making it an appealing option for those looking to immigrate to Canada.

New Brunswick: New Brunswick is a small province with a thriving agricultural industry, particularly in potato and blueberry production. The cost of living in New Brunswick is relatively low, and the province has a large number of farm worker job opportunities.

The Demand For Farm Workers in Canada 

Agriculture is a significant industry in Canada, with over 200,000 farms located throughout the country. Farm workers are in high demand as the world’s population and food demand grow. Several factors, including an aging workforce, the growth of the agriculture industry, and a shortage of domestic workers, have contributed to an increase in demand for farm workers in recent years.

Due to an aging workforce, the Canadian agricultural industry is facing a labor shortage. Many current farm workers are nearing retirement age, and there aren’t enough younger workers to take their place. Farmers in Canada are on average over 55 years old, and this trend is expected to continue. As a result, the demand for farm workers is expected to rise over the next few years.

Another reason for the demand for farm workers in Canada is the expansion of the agriculture industry. Agriculture is rapidly expanding, with new technologies and methods being introduced to boost productivity and efficiency. As a result of this expansion, there is a greater need for farm workers to assist with planting, harvesting, and other agricultural tasks.

Furthermore, the scarcity of domestic workers has increased the demand for foreign workers. Many Canadians are uninterested in working on farms, and those who are are frequently unwilling to work in rural areas or in physically demanding jobs. This has resulted in a shortage of domestic workers, increasing the demand for foreign workers.

Farm workers are in high demand depending on the season and the type of crop grown. In general, farm workers are in high demand during the planting and harvesting seasons. Farmers require a large number of workers during these times to assist with crop planting, cultivation, and harvesting. Workers are also in higher demand for certain crops, such as fruits and vegetables, which require more labor-intensive tasks.

Because of the increased demand for farm workers in Canada, the number of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) employed in the agriculture industry has increased. Over 60,000 TFWs worked in agriculture in Canada in 2020, up from just over 45,000 in 2015. These workers are temporary hires from countries such as Mexico, Jamaica, and Guatemala to fill labor shortages in the agriculture industry.

The use of TFWs has been controversial, with some critics claiming that their employers exploit and mistreat them. Many farmers, however, argue that they are an essential part of the agriculture industry and that they would be unable to operate their farms without them.

In recent years, the Canadian government has implemented several programs to encourage more Canadians to work in agriculture. These programs include financial incentives for young people to pursue agricultural careers, as well as funding for training and education programs.

There has also been a push in Canada to improve working conditions for farm workers. The federal government introduced new regulations in 2020 to protect the rights of TFWs working in agriculture. These regulations include provisions to ensure that TFWs are fairly compensated, work in safe conditions, and have access to health care.

Despite these efforts, there is still a labor shortage in Canada, and the demand for workers is expected to rise in the coming years. This implies that TFWs will continue to be required to fill labor shortages in the agricultural industry.

Top 3 Farm Workers Visas in Canada

The agricultural industry in Canada is heavily reliant on foreign farm workers, and the Canadian government has put in place several visa programs to meet this demand. These visa programs allow foreign farm workers to legally work in Canada and contribute to the agricultural industry. The top three Canadian visas for farm workers will be discussed in this section.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is a Canadian visa program that allows Canadian businesses to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages. The program is divided into two streams: low-wage and high-wage. Jobs in the low-wage stream pay less than the provincial or territorial median wage, while jobs in the high-wage stream pay at or above the median wage. The TFWP is a popular Canadian visa for farm workers because it allows them to stay in Canada for up to two years.

Farmworkers must have a job offer from a Canadian employer and a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada to be eligible for the TFWP (ESDC). They must also meet the job requirements, such as having the necessary skills and experience.

The TFWP allows farmworkers to work in Canada for up to two years, with the possibility of renewing their work permit for an additional two years. They may also be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Canada after working for a certain period in the country.

Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) is a Canadian visa program that allows farmers in Canada to hire foreign workers to fill seasonal labor shortages on their farms. The program, which has been in place since 1966, is intended to address labor shortages that occur during peak agricultural seasons. The SAWP is a popular Canadian visa for farm workers because it allows them to work in Canada for up to eight months per year.

The SAWP allows farm workers to work in Canada for up to eight months per year, with the possibility of returning for multiple seasons. While working in Canada, they are also eligible for health insurance and other benefits.

Farmworkers must be citizens of one of the participating countries and have a job offer from a Canadian employer to be eligible for the SAWP. In addition, they must have a positive LMIA from ESDC and meet the requirements for their specific job.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program’s Agricultural Stream

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program’s Agricultural Stream is a Canadian visa program that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill permanent or seasonal agricultural jobs that are not being filled by Canadian workers. The program is intended to assist Canadian farmers and agribusinesses in filling labor shortages with qualified foreign workers. This program is ideal for farmworkers looking for long-term employment opportunities in Canada.

Farmworkers must have a job offer from a Canadian employer in the agricultural sector to be eligible for the TFWP’s Agricultural Stream. In addition, they must have a positive LMIA from ESDC and meet the requirements for their specific job.

The TFWP’s Agricultural Stream allows farm workers to stay in Canada for extended periods, and they may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after working in the country for a certain amount of time. While working in Canada, they are also eligible for health insurance and other benefits.

How Much Do Farm Workers in Canada Make?

Farm workers’ wages in Canada can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the region, the type of crops, and the specific duties involved in their job. As of 2021, the average hourly wage for a farm worker in Canada is around CAD 16.39, according to data from the Government of Canada.

However, it is important to note that this figure only represents the average, and that pay can vary significantly depending on the specifics of the job. Some farm workers, for example, may be paid on a piecework basis, with their earnings directly related to the amount of produce harvested or tasks completed. The hourly wage in these cases may be higher or lower depending on the worker’s productivity.

Furthermore, due to factors such as a higher cost of living or a labor shortage, certain regions of Canada may offer higher wages to farm workers. For example, in British Columbia, the average hourly wage for farm workers is CAD 18.23, while in Quebec, it is CAD 15.75.

It’s also worth noting that many farm workers in Canada are temporary foreign workers who are here on a work permit for a limited time. Wages may be regulated by the federal government in these cases, and they may be subject to specific requirements regarding housing, transportation, and other benefits.

While the average hourly wage for farm workers in Canada is around CAD 16.39, numerous factors can influence actual earnings in this field. It is critical that both employees and employers are aware of these factors and that fair compensation is provided for the work performed.

Conclusion

For those with a love of agriculture, animals, and the outdoors, moving to Canada to work on farms and stables can be a fantastic opportunity. With a high demand for skilled workers in this industry, Canada offers a plethora of job opportunities as well as the opportunity to live a unique and rewarding lifestyle. We’ve talked about the process of immigrating to Canada, the benefits of working on farms and stables, and what to expect from this exciting adventure. If you want to pursue this opportunity, you should do your research and understand the requirements for immigrating to Canada. You can realize your dream of working on farms and stables in Canada and have a rewarding career in this exciting industry with hard work and dedication.