Survey tackles ag labour needs

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

by BRIAN CLEEVE and BETTER FARMING STAFF

A pilot survey underway in Haldimand County is searching for grassroots feedback on the challenges and opportunities that affect jobs in agriculture.

Studying labour-related agricultural problems at the local level marks a first for the county.

Once the process is honed, it’s hoped to be replicated in Brant, Norfolk, Oxford, Elgin and Middlesex counties, says Clara Siisii a volunteer researcher with the project.

Brantford-based Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie (formerly the Grand Erie Training and Adjustment Board) is spearheading the survey in response to a request from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The non-profit board is one of 21 in Ontario.

Siisii says shortages of skilled trades have played a role in agriculture’s challenges over the past two years.

She notes that the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council estimates a nine per cent vacancy rate for seasonal and non-seasonal work. And it estimates that employers of berry, vegetable, tree fruit and vine operations are projecting a need to increase their employees by 52 per cent over the next five years.

Siisii says the survey results can be used to guide government policy and local economic development, develop effective training programs and inform community leaders about the challenges agriculture faces.

It targets six interest groups: farmers; general farm organizations; industry suppliers such as fertilizer plants and truckers; food processors; ethanol plants and manufacturers that use bioproducts; and colleges and universities with agricultural programs.

Siisii hopes most of the 212 surveys mailed last week will be returned by the end of the month.

They will be analyzed to determine whether there are problems the agriculture sectors such as vegetables, grain and livestock share common problems. It’s also hoped growth opportunities for the industry will be identified. “We hope to identify present and future occupations so we can match those with the training needs of the industry,” she states in a January news release.

The study’s costs are not yet known, says Siisii. The Haldimand County Economic Development and Tourism department is supporting the pilot project. BF