Established in 2007 after several years of industry-wide consultations, the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) was created to address growing labour shortages and skills gaps in the farming sector. It is a national non-profit organization devoted to tackling the human resource issues faced by agricultural businesses across Canada. CAHRC’s formation responded to the need for strategic solutions in areas such as skills development, training, recruitment and retention of farm workers in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of Canadian agriculture.
Since its inception, CAHRC has worked closely with industry associations, educational institutions and all levels of government to examine workforce challenges and develop constructive, research-based solutions that secure the future vitality of the sector. The Council’s mission is to devise innovative, industry-led responses to the human resource challenges in agriculture, with the core goal of fostering a sufficient, stable and skilled workforce that enables Canada’s farm businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
An industry-driven organization, CAHRC represents agriculture in all its forms: from traditional and non-traditional livestock operations to conventional and emerging crop productions, encompassing any practice integral to a farming operation. The Council also engages the broader agrifood supply chain – including input suppliers, specialists, processors, distributors and others – in its work, reflecting the interconnected nature of the sector. Guidance is provided by a national Board of Directors composed of agricultural leaders from diverse commodity groups and regions, ensuring CAHRC’s direction is grounded in the realities of the field. All of its research projects and resource-development initiatives are conducted in collaboration with stakeholders to guarantee their quality, accuracy and relevance to industry needs.
CAHRC’s activities focus on high-quality research, practical tools and training for workforce development in agriculture. The Council has become a go-to source for labour market information and analysis on Canadian agriculture, producing comprehensive research that explores emerging labour issues, forecasts workforce requirements, and quantifies labour shortages and their impact on the sector’s performance. For example, CAHRC’s studies have measured the extent of farm worker shortages in specific industries and calculated the lost revenues associated with unfilled roles, while also projecting future labour needs to guide industry and policymakers.
In parallel, CAHRC develops and disseminates practical HR resources to support employers and workers on the farm. It offers both online and in-person training programs in agricultural HR management, equipping farm owners and managers with skills in areas like employee recruitment, performance management, and workplace safety. The Council has also created a comprehensive Agriculture HR Toolkit – an online resource containing guides, templates and best practices – to help farm employers of all types address their human resource needs. Additionally, CAHRC provides webinars, consulting services and networking opportunities that facilitate the adoption of effective HR management practices across the industry.
Inclusiveness is one of CAHRC’s guiding principles. The Council is committed to ensuring that under-represented groups – including women, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, and persons with disabilities – have the opportunity to play a significant role in the agricultural workforce. CAHRC has led initiatives to increase the participation and leadership of women in agriculture, and it actively promotes diversity in hiring and training programs to broaden the sector’s talent base.
As an agent that delivers government-funded programs, CAHRC administers or partners in various workforce development initiatives supported by public funding. It manages programs that facilitate the integration of new workers into agriculture – for instance, by providing wage subsidies for student internships and on-farm work placements that give young people hands-on experience in the industry. Other initiatives focus on upgrading the skills of the existing agricultural workforce through continuous training and professional development. CAHRC also fosters collaboration between post-secondary institutions and farm employers, bridging the gap between academic training and on-the-ground needs. These education-industry partnerships help create a pipeline of job-ready graduates and align curricula with the competencies required in modern agriculture.
CAHRC receives funding from the Government of Canada, which enables it to carry out its nationwide research, training and resource development projects. With well over a decade of service, the Council has become a pivotal player in building and sustaining Canada’s agricultural workforce. Through its research, resources and partnerships, CAHRC continues to help the sector address labour shortages, improve HR practices, and foster a skilled, resilient and inclusive agricultural workforce for the future.
