Seed corn, oil seed, grains and maple syrup farmers will be able to seek the help of workers through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) for the 2021 growing season, the federal government says in a news release on Nov. 27.
The Canadian government has expanded the National Commodity List (NCL) to include seed corn, oil seed, grains and maple syrup for the 2021 season, which allows for them to be eligible for SAWP, the release says. The NCL helps determine eligibility and pay within the Primary Agricultural Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. Access to the SAWP and the Agricultural Stream is limited to employers hiring workers for the specified commodities on the NCL.
“By expanding the National Commodity List, we’re making it easier for farmers to use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which will help them ensure that Canadians continue to have top quality food on their kitchen tables,” Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of agriculture and agri-food, says in the news release.
Employers and workers using the TFW Program/SAWP are encouraged to apply early to avoid any delays, due to the ongoing pandemic. Consultations are underway with provinces and territories, employers, workers and other interested parties on a proposal to establish minimum requirements for employer-provided accommodations for the TFW Program, the release notes.
