Alberta's government says record-setting economic growth in the province's agriculture and agri-food sector ignited demand for workers across the province..To support producers and processors, Alberta's government in partnership with the federal government, is providing $2.5 million to Ag for Life to help companies recruit, hire and retain workers in the agriculture and agri-food industry..“Alberta’s agriculture sector continues to grow and set new investment and export records despite facing numerous challenges," Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Nate Horner said..Since 2011, Ag for Life delivered agriculture education to more than half a million Albertans across the province. As a charitable organization, Ag for Life works with producers to develop high-quality programming to inspire a better understanding of the integral role agriculture plays in our economy..The funding will provide eligible organizations with grants of up to $40,000 to increase public awareness of agricultural career opportunities through online advertising campaigns..As part of the funding, Ag for Life will also offer grants of up to $25,000 to provide organizations with human resources training to support worker retention.."This funding will help producers and processors with their labour needs so they can remain competitive, grow their businesses, and respond to an international food shortage," Horner said..Funding is being provided through the Canada-Alberta Labour Market Development Agreement and eligible companies can apply for the grant through Ag for Life until March 2024..In 2021, food manufacturing was the largest industry in the province (23.8% of provincial manufacturing sales), ahead of petroleum and coal product manufacturing (22.7%) and chemical manufacturing (16.8%)..Food manufacturing sales continued an upward trend, reaching a record $20.1 billion..In 2021, value-added exports grew for the eighth consecutive year to $8.2 billion, up 23.4% from 2020, representing 58.4% of Alberta’s total agri-food exports..Higher exports of beef, canola oil (crude and refined), oil seed cake and meal, processed potatoes and prepared animal feeds contributed to the increase..Exports of beef, the largest value-added product, jumped 40% to a record $3.5 billion..In 2021, agri-food industries employed 58,300 Albertans, with 35,900 in primary agriculture and 22,400 in food and beverage manufacturing..There were about 2,500 temporary foreign workers in Alberta’s agriculture sector and 1,900 in Alberta’s agri-food sector. This represents about 7% of the workforce for these sectors..“The agriculture and agri-food industry are major job creators that fuel Alberta’s economic growth," Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development Brian Jean said.."This funding offers valuable support to Alberta employers and helps them succeed in our thriving economy. Supporting jobs in agriculture means creating prosperity for Albertans.”.In 2021, almost 97,000 Albertans were supported under the federal labour market transfers with Alberta.."This funding is critical to supporting Ag for Life, reaching more Albertans with labour market training supports and ensuring that employers have the skilled workers they need," federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Carla Qualtrough said.."Through our investments in skills development and employment services, we’re working with provinces and territories to ensure that, across Canada, more skilled workers can be hired and retained."
