Attracting and Retaining Skilled Labour: Helping Farmers Compete in Today's
Global Economy

The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council discusses the future of the agricultural workforce at a regional forum in Langley

OTTAWA, April 14 /CNW Telbec/ - "Today's and Tomorrow's Farms: Employment and Skills Development" was the theme surrounding a regional forum held in Langley today, organized by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC).

Agricultural producers were invited to join members of general farm organizations, representatives from post-secondary institutions and government to discuss employment and skills development issues particular to British Columbia. The forum in Langley was the third in a series of regional meetings which are taking place across the country over the next several months. The first forum was held in Moncton, New Brunswick, on February 4, 2010, where participants represented the four Atlantic provinces. The second session was held in Guelph, Ontario, on March 11, 2010.

"The purpose of these regional forums is to discuss opportunities to attract and retain workers with the appropriate skills needed to compete in today's global economy. The feedback of the participants is instrumental in identifying the human resource needs and best practices particular to each region, across Canada," said Danielle Vinette, CAHRC's Executive Director.

Terry Murray, Chair of CAHRC's Board of Directors, says there is a need to raise the bar on employment and skills development and refers to the current labour situation within the industry: "CAHRC's Labour Market Information on Recruitment and Retention Report, published in 2009, revealed that 9% of all jobs in primary agriculture were unfilled - in British Columbia, the vacancy rate was at 15%. This number represents more than 3,000 people and speaks to the urgent challenges faced by one of Canada's most important industries."

Led by industry and funded by the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program, the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council was created in 2006 to address primary agriculture's most pressing challenges related to the recruitment and retention of farm labour and skills training for employers and employees. The work of the Council is guided by a Board of Directors that represents provincial and commodity groups across Canada.

For further information: or to arrange an interview please contact: Noëlla LeBlanc, Communications Coordinator, Cell: [phone], [email protected]