Consultants are wrapping up their interviews with agribusinesses and stakeholders for the agricultural labour market study, funded by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and led by Northern Lights College.
The study, titled “State of the Agriculture Labour Trends and Needs in Northeast British Columbia,” is developing a broader picture of the issues and challenges related to labour availability facing the agriculture industry in Northeast BC.
Under the guidance of the advisory committee, R.A. Malatest & Associates Ltd. has completed over 40 interviews with representatives from BC’s northeast region. Surveys with agribusinesses are ongoing and will help develop a broader picture of the current labour force and a better understanding of anticipated changes expected over the next decade.
The next steps in the study will be analysis of the data, and reporting findings and recommendations to the advisory committee.
The agriculture study concludes in June 2021 and a report produced outlining a labour market strategy to address current and projected labour market needs in Northeast BC. It will make recommendations to help new talent develop world-class skills and encourage the industry to further embrace a culture of innovation.