Shared Workforce Program Renewed and Expanded to Meet New Brunswick’s Agricultural Labor Needs
Following a successful two-year pilot, the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick is excited to announce the renewal and expansion of its shared workforce program. With continued support secured for another two years, the program is scaling efforts to connect even more farms across the province with local job seekers ready to meet critical seasonal labor demands.
The shared workforce program has already made a measurable impact: over 50 farms have joined (25 of which have or currently use the program), and 500+ job seekers, most of whom are newcomers to Canada, have registered. The renewed phase is building on this momentum, with outreach underway to new and returning employers and worker placements ramping up for the 2025 season.
Why the Expansion Matters
The pilot phase of the program demonstrated how strategic job matching between farms and local job seekers can help close urgent workforce gaps in the agricultural sector. Unlike the Temporary Foreign Worker program, this initiative relies on individuals already residing in New Brunswick, ensuring faster mobilization and greater socio-economic integration.
Program Highlights (From April 1 – December 1, 2024)
– 53,203 hours of farm work
– Estimated wage bill exceeding $814,000
– 244 workers deployed to 20 farms in 2024 alone
– 11 individuals transitioned from seasonal roles to full-time employment
This innovative workforce development initiative supports seasonal workforce needs while integrating newcomers into rural communities. Job seekers are primarily urban-based newcomers, and many expressed willingness to relocate for the duration of farm jobs, particularly if housing or reliable transportation is available.
A Win-Win for Employers and Workers
Farmers using the program reported:
– Increased access to labor during harvest and planting
– Reduced pressure on existing staff
– Opportunities to expand operations due to a more stable workforce
Many employers went above and beyond by providing training, accommodation, and transportation.
Road to Sustainability
The program is currently funded by the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (PETL), and the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries (DAAF). For long-term viability, a self-sustaining model involving subscription-based services for employers and a digital job-matching platform is under consideration.
Plans for 2025 include:
– Enhancing the online platform for direct employer-job seeker interaction
– Expanding recruitment efforts to First Nations, retirees, and students
– Increasing sector-specific training for advanced farm roles
Strategic Partnerships
A network of organizations throughout the province, have been established in supporting the recruitment and placement of workers.
Learn More
For more information on the program or to register your farm or apply as a worker, visit agrinb.ca/careers-in-agriculture/jobs/ or contact Shared Workforce Coordinator Adriana Yunes at rcagrinb@fermenbfarm.ca or (506)261-8230.
