From: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
 
June 27, 2022 – Blainville, Quebec 

Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector is an important engine of economic growth that feeds millions of people in Canada and around the world. It is also part of the country's critical infrastructure, essential to the health and well-being of all Canadians. Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri- Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, launched consultations to solicit input and inform a National Agricultural Labour Strategy. 

The agriculture and agri-food sector faces obstacles that distinguish it from other economic sectors currently facing labour shortages. As part of the engagement process, an online consultation will open on June 27, 2022 and run until September 28, 2022. This process will seek input on recommendations to address chronic workforce challenges to build short- and long-term solutions that enable the agriculture sector to attract a skilled workforce. Provinces and territories, as well as employers, unions, underrepresented groups, workers, and other key groups will be engaged to develop the strategy and ensure it reflects the unique needs of the sector. 

A number of areas of focus have been identified, including the use of automation and technology, targeted skills development and training, employment incentives and best practices, improved working conditions and benefits; and programs to recruit and retain workers. 

The sector is already demonstrating leadership in tackling these challenges, through initiatives such as the Canadian Agriculture Human Resource Council-led development of a National Workforce Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Food and Beverage Manufacturing. The Government of Canada's National Agricultural Labour Strategy is intended to complement these efforts and utilize input directly from industry to achieve solutions. 

The Government of Canada is committed to taking concrete action in addressing the ongoing labour challenges facing the country's agriculture and agri-food sector and to best position the sector for future growth. 

Quotes 
"As everyone is looking to Canada to increase its contribution to global food security, our agriculture and agri-food sector is facing a severe labour shortage that prevents it from reaching its full potential. I encourage all stakeholders to take part in these consultations, through which our government wishes to foster the significant engagement of the industry and ensure that together we put in place effective and sustainable solutions." 
 - The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food 

"A skilled and reliable labour force is an important part of our resilience as a sector. We have already seen, and will continue to build off, the strong leadership in this space. The strategy will help to ensure that Canada continues to deliver the high quality of food needed in our country and around the world." 
 - Francis Drouin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell 

"Canada's agricultural sector feeds millions of people each year, and is a huge driver of our national economy. To ensure it can continue to grow and innovate, we're working with industry partners to build the strong, skilled workforce they need to thrive." 
 - The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion 

"We at CFA are excited for the launch of these consultations, as they will be coordinating closely with the CAHRC National Agriculture, Food and Beverage Manufacturing Workforce strategy co-chaired by CFA and Food and Beverage Canada. These consultations, along with the development of our Workforce Strategy will create pragmatic solutions for short and long-term labour issues in the food supply chain." 
 - Mary Robinson, President of Canadian Federation of Agriculture 

"CAHRC is pleased for the launch of these timely consultations on a sector-specific Agricultural Labour Strategy. We look forward to working closely and collaboratively with AAFC and our partners CFA and Food and Beverage Canada on our complimentary initiatives that will go a long way towards finding long-term solutions for a robust, skilled workforce." 
 - Paul Glenn, Chair, Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council 

"Food and Beverage Canada welcomes the launch today of consultations to develop a sector-specific labour strategy to address labour shortages in food and beverage manufacturing, as well as in agricutlure. With our partners at CAHRC and CFA, we look forward to continuing our work on the National Workforce Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Food and Beverage Manufacturing, which will help to inform these important consultations as we seek to develop a roadmap to address persistent labour shortages in the agri-food sector". 
 - Kathleen Sullivan, CEO, Food and Beverage Canada 

Quick Facts 

• Canada's food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment and supports our economy. In 2020, the whole agriculture and agri-food system: 
• Employed 2.1 million people 
• Provided 1 in 9 jobs in Canada 
• In 2021, the sector generated $135 billion of Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) 
• In April, the Government of Canada announced further changes to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program to address labour shortages across Canada. 
• In Canada, temporary foreign workers represented around one-quarter of all agriculture workers in 2021. In the food and beverage manufacturing sector, temporary foreign workers represented about one-tenth of the total number of employees. 

​Contacts 
Marianne Dandurand 
Press Secretary 
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food 
[email protected]
 343-541-9229 

Media Relations 
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 
Ottawa, Ontario 
1-866-345-7972 
[email protected]

Canadian Dairy Commission

OTTAWA, June 21, 2022

On May 27, 2022, Dairy Farmers of Canada asked the Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) to review the price that farmers get for their milk due to the current inflation.

​An important part of the CDC’s mandate is to provide efficient dairy farmers with the opportunity to obtain a fair return for their labour and investment. The CDC therefore agreed to review the request to determine if a price increase was warranted before next year.

After reviewing the points of view expressed during the consultations as well as economic data, the CDC recommends that on September 1, 2022, the farm gate milk price increase by $1.92/hl (less than 2 cents per litre). The increase in producers’ revenues will partially offset increased production costs due to inflation. Feed, energy, and fertilizer costs have been particularly impacted, with increases of 22%, 55% and 45% respectively since August 2021. Next fall, during the regular price review, the September 1 adjustment will be deducted from any adjustment for February 1, 2023.

In making its decision, the CDC considered possible impacts of a price increase on consumers and demand. Nutritious dairy products must remain affordable for Canadian families. Furthermore, dairy farmer revenue has improved in recent months, partly due to last February’s price increase and partly due to the rise in world prices, which affects a significant part of the milk that farmers sell on the domestic market.

The adjustment will increase by 2.5% on average the price for milk used in the manufacture of dairy products such as milk, cream, yogurt, cheese and butter intended for the retail sector and the foodservice industry.  This increase will be reflected in the milk class prices according to a ratio of 60% on butterfat and 40% on other milk components. The net impact on consumers will also be influenced by factors such as transportation, distribution and packaging costs throughout the supply chain. The price paid to farmers is only part of the price paid by consumers.

In the last five years, the consumer price index for dairy increased by 7.7%. This compares to 14% for meat, 21% for eggs, and 32% for fish.

The CDC is grateful to the following stakeholders for presenting their views on a potential increase and the impacts a price adjustment would have on their sector:  Dairy Farmers of Canada, Dairy Processors Association of Canada, Consumers’ Association of Canada, Retail Council of Canada, Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers and Restaurants Canada.

The new farm milk prices will become official once they are approved by provincial authorities in mid-July 2022.

For more information, please contact:

Chantal Paul
Director, Corporate Services
Tel.: 613-790-0929
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.cdc-ccl.gc.ca

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​The British Columbia Milk Marketing Board, under federal and provincial law, promotes, controls and regulates the production, transportation, packing, storing and marketing of milk, fluid milk and manufactured milk products in British Columbia.

A Board Member is to be appointed by MIAC with a three-year term effective November 2022. (Reference: BCMMB Election and Appointment Rules and Procedures, July 9, 2021)

Board duties include the analysis and interpretation of detailed statistics in relation to production, product quality, consumption patterns, and industry economic impacts, and direct involvement in regional, national and international policies.

The person appointed will have strong skills in communication, complex analysis and decision-making. Good background knowledge of the dairy industry and supply management will be important. Board members are required to relate well to and have the confidence of producers, processors, suppliers, Board staff and other stakeholders.

This part-time position is suitable for an individual who can commit to Board and other meetings, likely or approximating three to five days a month, and who can undertake some travel.

This Board Member cannot be a licensed producer.

The BC Milk Industry Advisory Committee invites applications from qualified individuals who are keen to make an active contribution to the Dairy industry. If you feel qualified and the opportunity is of interest, to apply for an interview please send your resume in confidence by September 30, 2022:

Via email to: [email protected]