New Markets and Future Skills in Agriculture
The New Markets and Future Skills in Agriculture will examine emerging markets in agriculture, and the skills and knowledge required of workers for these markets and their related technologies. In particular, it will identify the occupations or competencies of agriculture employees in up to three new markets, and uncover the training needs or gaps in current skills development and learning programs for agriculture employers and employees, as well as the educational community.
New markets will be selected from the results of a literature review, which will emphasize the strategic importance of the market to Canada’s agriculture sector and its human resource needs. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Science and Innovation program and the Canadian Agricultural Innovation Council will also be consulted. Training gaps will be identified by comparing the range of involved sub-sectors and human resource needs for each new market against existing training programs offered across Canada that are listed on the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council’s inventory database of learning programs.
This project will create greater awareness of the employment opportunities in new agricultural markets across Canada and the human resource skills required of workers to use new technologies that support these markets. Over the long term, the project will enhance recruitment, training and retention of qualified workers as Canada’s farms continue to adjust to changing market demands. It will also serve as a template for CAHRC to apply to future projects related to new markets.