Like many sectors of the economy, agri-business is having challenges fill job openings.

A report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says 63 per cent of its agri-business members were unable to get all the staff required in September.

Taylor Brown is a CFIB senior policy analyst.

Hiring retired workers has been a relatively successful initiative for farmers to fill labour shortages during busy periods such as seeding and harvest. About 70 per cent of agri-businesses found recruiting retired workers to be helpful. On the positive side, they have the necessary skills and expertise required. The issue remains is that the current supply of retired workers will not be available in the medium-to-longer term.

Brown says labor shortages in the agricultural sector are not new. The CFIB says encouraging more young people to take the necessary train and reducing government red tape for qualified immigrants would improve the situation.

You can view the full report at the following link