Introduction
Beyond the immediate concerns of farm not having enough workers in the coming year, the agricultural sector faces a long-term, structural labour shortage. In the next eight years, Canada faces a shortage of workers for an estimated 123,000 agricultural jobs, with Ontario accounting for the majority of them. It feels like we’re perennially short-handed.” Employment of agricultural workers is expected to increase just 1% from 2019 to 2029, slower than the average for all occupations.
Description
There have also been underlying issues within the agri-food sector that predated COVID-19 but have since been aggravated. Ontario farmers have experienced mounting risks and market volatility in recent years – ranging from unpredictable weather to rising input costs. For this reason, farmers can pay to participate in various business risk-management programs. AgriStability is one of these programs in Ontario. It is specifically designed to help farmers who experience large declines in their incomes during difficult economic periods. However, the program is in urgent need of reform. The shortcomings associated with AgriStability have led to industry frustration and dwindling participation. With no indication that these risks and uncertainties will decline, there is a need for well-funded government programs that provide Ontario farmers with the support they need to meet challenges head-on and continue investing in their operations.
Conclusion
Ontario farmers have experienced mounting risks and market volatility in recent years – ranging from unpredictable weather to rising input costs. For this reason, farmers can pay to participate in various business risk-management programs.