September 4, 2008 – The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council today welcomed new funding from the Government of Canada to undertake new initiatives that address agriculture's top human resource challenges: difficulty recruiting and retaining workers, and lack of knowledge of required skills and training for agriculture workers.
"These projects will define the standards of on-farm occupational skills today, while identifying the requirements of tomorrow's employees," said Terry Murray, Chair of the Council. "Understanding the skills sets required in agriculture operations helps employees recruit and retain workers. It also helps future employees plan their career paths and enroll in the right
training programs."
Member of Parliament for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, Pierre Lemieux, yesterday announced funding of $1.3 million to support three new Council projects: identifying on-farm occupations; new markets and future skills in agriculture; and communications and outreach. Mr. Lemieux made the announcement on behalf of the Minister of Human Resources and Social
Development during an event at La Ferme Gillette in Embrun, Ontario.
The identifying on-farm occupations project will pinpoint the core skills specific to farm professions across the 10 key agriculture commodity groups and develop national occupational standards. With this knowledge, the Council will be able to better define career pathways and raise awareness of the skills required for workers on today's farms.
The new markets and future skills in agriculture project will examine emerging agriculture markets and their related technologies, and the skills and knowledge required of its workers. This information will help farmers identify employment needs, and educators adapt or introduce new training programs. The results of this project will also enhance recruitment, training
and retention of qualified workers over the long term as Canada's farms
continue to adjust to changing market demands.
The communications and outreach program will support the expansion of the Council's partnership-building and awareness-raising efforts to ensure that all involved agriculture stakeholders reap the benefits of the Council's activities. The program will promote the results of all of the Council's projects, including at national and regional forums.
The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council is funded by the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program.
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