Employment in Agriculture Sector Edges Up 0.1% — May 2026

22

Statistics Canada released its 2024 report on employment in the agriculture sector, showing a slight increase in the number of employees. The report provides detailed insights into how different areas within agriculture, such as horticulture and grain farming, have evolved over the year. Highlighting the importance of this sector for Canada's economy, the report also discusses trends in full-time, part-time, and seasonal employment, as well as the impact of temporary foreign workers.

2024 Employment Statistics in Detail

The agriculture sector in Canada employed 280,991 individuals in 2024, a minor increase of 0.1% from the previous year. This rise, though marginal, reflects the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the sector. In particular, almost half of these employees were part of the horticulture industries, such as greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production, where employment rose by 1.6% to reach 64,682 workers. Similarly, vegetable and melon farming saw a notable growth of 3.5%, employing 36,105 individuals.

Conversely, there was a distinct decline in employment within fruit and tree nut farming, which dropped by 9.0% to 28,271 workers. Despite these variations, oilseed and grain farming continued to be the second-largest employer in the agriculture sector, with an employee increase of 1.1%, totaling 49,456 workers in 2024. These numbers indicate a reshaping within the sector and highlight where growth and challenges exist.

Regional Employment Trends

Employment within the agriculture sector varied across Canada. Ontario led with 83,363 employees, marking a 1.2% increase from 2023. This growth underlines Ontario's role as a pivotal hub for agricultural activities. Quebec was not far behind with 69,717 employees, a 0.9% rise. These increases showcase the burgeoning agricultural opportunities in Canada's eastern regions.

However, the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia experienced a different trend. Alberta's agricultural employment slightly decreased by 0.3% to 37,946, while British Columbia faced a more significant downturn, with employment declining by 4.3% to 30,905 workers. These declines may point towards regional economic pressures or shifts in the agricultural industry that demand attention and possibly policy intervention.

Role of Seasonal and Temporary Foreign Workers

In analyzing the workforce composition, seasonal employees made up 48.6% of the agricultural workforce, equaling 136,603 people in 2024. Notably, this figure signifies a gradual decline from the previous year's 49.5%. Such a shift highlights a trend towards more stable employment arrangements. Full-time employment saw a rise of 1.8% to 103,948 employees, and part-time jobs increased by 1.5%, bringing the count up to 40,440. These figures show a modest towards more consistent employment types within the sector.

Another crucial facet of the agricultural workforce is the employment of temporary foreign workers. The number of these workers decreased by 6.2% to 74,789 in 2024, after a significant rise in 2023. Mexican nationals continued to be the largest group, totaling 32,036, followed by Guatemalans with 19,443 workers, and Jamaicans making up the third-largest group with 8,812 workers. Ontario remained the top province employing these workers, with a staggering 33,968, while Quebec employed 22,206.

Future Outlook and Implications

The 2024 employment statistics suggest several trends that might affect the agricultural sector moving forward. The slight increase in total employees reflects resilience in this industry despite economic fluctuations. Continued growth in full-time employment could lead to more stable economic situations for many workers. However, the decline in temporary foreign workers might impact labor availability in certain areas depending on these workers.

The agricultural sector remains critical to Canada's economy, and understanding these statistics can aid policymakers and business leaders in forming strategies that address current and future challenges. The statistics indicate where growth opportunities exist and where intervention may be needed to mitigate decreases in employment.

Census of Agriculture 2026: What to Expect

The upcoming Census of Agriculture in May 2026 will offer more comprehensive data that can shape the future of Canada's agriculture sector. This census, conducted every five years, will gather critical information from farm operators across the country. Insights garnered will provide the necessary data to inform business decisions, influence policy-making, and track development within the sector.

With the new Census of Agriculture data, stakeholders can expect advancements in understanding how different factors are shaping the sector. This upcoming census underscores Canada's commitment to leveraging data for continued growth and sustainability of agriculture. For more detailed insights, interested parties should visit the Agriculture and food statistics portal.

Shifts in Employment Patterns and Implications

The agricultural workforce in Canada demonstrates a complex evolution, with notable shifts between different types of employment arrangements. As seasonal employment continues to decline, the increase in both full-time (up 1.8% to 103,948) and part-time (up 1.5% to 40,440) roles indicates a small yet meaningful move towards stability within the workforce. These changes reflect broader economic factors and potentially shifting employer preferences towards retaining employees year-round.

This trend can lead to fewer fluctuations in the labor market, offering more consistent work and income for agricultural employees. For employers, this could mean greater retention of skilled workers, reducing the time and cost associated with continually training new employees. Such stability is vital for maintaining productivity and ensuring that farms can produce year-round without labor shortages. This is particularly important as demand for certain crops can peak during various seasons, placing pressure on farms to ensure sufficient labor supply to meet these demands effectively.

For employees, steady work and income may lead to improved living conditions and the ability to plan financially. By reducing reliance on seasonal work, which can be precarious, the workforce benefits from greater job security. This security could make agricultural jobs more appealing and attract a diverse range of workers, including those considering career changes from other sectors.

Temporary Foreign Workers: A Necessary Component

Despite the decline in temporary foreign workers in 2024 by 6.2% to 74,789, these workers remain a crucial part of the agricultural workforce. Originating primarily from Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica, these workers fill vital roles, particularly in peak growing and harvest seasons when local labor alone cannot meet demand. For instance, Ontario, with its vast array of agricultural operations, employed 33,968 temporary foreign workers, emphasizing the ongoing reliance on international labor input.

The role of these workers cannot be overstated. They contribute not only to the direct production of goods but also to the overall economic health of their local communities. Moreover, the agreements and programs that facilitate their employment exemplify Canada's commitment to maintaining robust agricultural productivity. The decline, while perhaps challenging for short-term labor supply, could encourage discussions on optimizing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program further to ensure it efficiently meets the sector's needs.

These workers also bring diverse skills and practices that can enrich the local agricultural practices, often bringing innovations from their home countries. This exchange of knowledge can lead to enhancements in farming techniques, benefiting Canadian agriculture in a globalized economy. Understanding the importance of these workers is crucial for developing supportive policies that ensure they are treated fairly and have access to necessary protections and amenities while working in Canada.

The Vital Role of the Census of Agriculture

With the Census of Agriculture set to occur in May 2026, stakeholders throughout the agricultural sector have much to anticipate. This comprehensive data collection effort occurs every five years and is fundamental to understanding the dynamic shifts within the industry. The insights from the census will aid in making informed decisions, from policy updates to business strategies, that align with contemporary challenges and opportunities faced by Canadian agriculture.

The census will explore various facets of agriculture, including land use, crop variety, livestock production, and trends in local and global markets. It will also analyze labor dynamics, offering more granular data on employment trends and economic impacts. By participating, farm operators can contribute to a clearer picture of the sector, influencing policies that facilitate growth and sustainability.

For policymakers, having accurate, up-to-date data is essential for crafting legislation that supports both farmers and the economy. It allows them to identify areas of need and prioritize resource allocation. Similarly, businesses can utilize this data to plan expansions or adjustments to farming techniques, ensuring they remain competitive in a market that may face shifts due to climate change, technological advances, or international market demands.

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