“This work complements previous research focusing on larger operations,” said Danielle Vinette, executive director of CAHRC. “Small-scale farms make up approximately 65 per cent of Canada’s agricultural operations,” she added.

Gathering labour market information helps CAHRC understand and explain the nature and scope of the human resource challenges being faced by agriculture today – and the issues that are anticipated in the near future. Research results also provide valuable baseline data that will be used by the council and its partners to develop a better way to collect, survey and track the ongoing employment needs of farmers and develop tools and resources to meet those needs.

Small-scale farm operators with annual gross receipts of less than $100,000 are encouraged to participate in the short online survey located on the CAHRC website (www.cahrc-ccrha.ca). Responses to the survey are strictly confidential and will be used to estimate labour force needs of smaller operations. Farm operators who complete the survey will also be entered into a draw for a chance to win $100.