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In 2022, the Government of Alberta invested $2.5 million in Ag for Life’s Agriculture Labour Task Force Grant Program to help producers and processors attract, hire and retain employees.
Ag for Life, a charitable organization, will distribute grants to address labour shortages caused by job vacancies that cannot be filled and an aging workforce.
“Alberta’s government is committed to strengthening and growing a resilient and competitive agriculture sector that supports jobs and long-term food security. Ag producers and processors need a stable, skilled workforce and Ag for Life’s Agriculture Labour Task Force Grant Program helps them meet those labour challenges so they can continue producing the food we rely on,” said Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Tara Sawyer.
The program funds projects not only to attract, hire and retain workers but also helps employers build human-resources capacity, like recruiting and onboarding.
"I really appreciate the opportunity created through this funding. Being a tiny commission, with a tiny budget, we never would have been able to undertake this type of work in this way, without it," said Connie Phillips, Executive Director of the Alberta Beekeepers Commission.
In 2025, Alberta’s agriculture sector employed 70,900 people, including 37,900 in primary agriculture and 33,000 in food and beverage. However, according to the Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council, half of all agriculture employers in Alberta were unable to hire all the workers they needed in 2022. And nearly 40% of the current domestic workforce is expected to retire by 2030.
Ag for Life is accepting applications for grants so employers can build a strong and stable workforce. Find out more and apply at agricultureforlife.ca/alberta-labour-task-force-grant.
Contact
Connect with 310-FARM for more information:
Phone: 310-FARM (3276)
Email: [email protected]
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