Canada’s agricultural sector is facing one of the largest labor shortages in its history. Every year, thousands of farms across the country depend on seasonal workers to help plant, maintain, harvest, package, and transport agricultural products. From fruit orchards in British Columbia to vegetable farms in Ontario and large grain operations in Saskatchewan, employers are actively searching for workers willing to fill critical labor gaps.
For foreign job seekers, this presents a significant opportunity. Many Canadian farm employers participate in programs designed to recruit international workers when local labor is unavailable. Depending on the employer and the position, some jobs may include benefits such as subsidized accommodation, transportation assistance, overtime pay, and pathways to longer-term employment.
Having worked with immigrants and foreign workers exploring Canadian agricultural opportunities, I have seen firsthand how seasonal farm jobs can serve as a practical entry point into the Canadian labor market. While these positions may not always require advanced education or extensive experience, employers still value reliability, physical fitness, and a strong work ethic.
This guide highlights 25 Canadian farm employers known for hiring seasonal workers, the types of positions available, expected wages, visa options, and practical advice for securing a legitimate job offer.
Why Canada Needs Seasonal Farm Workers
Agriculture remains one of Canada’s most important industries, contributing billions of dollars annually to the national economy. However, an aging workforce, rural population decline, and increasing production demands have created persistent labor shortages.
Many farms require additional workers during:
- Planting season
- Growing season
- Harvest season
- Packaging and processing periods
- Greenhouse production cycles
As a result, employers often recruit workers through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
These programs allow approved employers to hire international workers when qualified Canadian workers are unavailable.
Average Salary for Seasonal Farm Workers in Canada
Pay varies depending on province, crop type, experience level, and specific duties.
Typical hourly wages include:
| Position | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| General Farm Worker | $17 – $22 |
| Fruit Picker | $17 – $25 |
| Greenhouse Worker | $18 – $24 |
| Livestock Farm Worker | $18 – $28 |
| Farm Equipment Operator | $22 – $35 |
| Farm Supervisor | $25 – $40 |
Many positions also offer overtime opportunities during peak harvest periods.
25 Canadian Farm Employers Hiring Seasonal Workers This Year
1. Pfenning’s Organic Farm
Location: Ontario
Pfenning’s Organic Farm is one of Canada’s leading organic produce growers. Seasonal workers assist with harvesting, packing, sorting, and greenhouse operations.
Common Positions:
- Vegetable Harvester
- Packing Line Worker
- Greenhouse Laborer
2. Jealous Fruits
Location: British Columbia
Known for premium cherry production, Jealous Fruits hires large numbers of seasonal workers during the harvest season.
Common Positions:
- Cherry Picker
- Orchard Worker
- Packing House Associate
3. Nature Fresh Farms
Location: Ontario
A major greenhouse producer supplying vegetables throughout North America.
Common Positions:
- Greenhouse Worker
- Crop Maintenance Worker
- Harvest Assistant
4. Sunrise Soya Foods Farms
Location: Ontario
Seasonal opportunities often exist in crop production and agricultural processing support roles.
5. Golden Eagle Blueberry Farm
Location: British Columbia
One of the larger blueberry operations in Western Canada.
Common Positions:
- Berry Picker
- Field Worker
- Sorting and Packaging Assistant
6. Windset Farms
Location: British Columbia
Windset Farms operates extensive greenhouse facilities and regularly recruits seasonal labor.
7. Maan Farms
Location: British Columbia
A family-owned agricultural business with seasonal hiring needs during harvest periods.
8. Cedarline Greenhouses
Location: Ontario
Frequently hires workers for greenhouse production and vegetable harvesting.
9. Erdmann Farms
Location: Saskatchewan
Offers opportunities in grain farming and seasonal field operations.
10. Verger Leahy Orchards
Location: Quebec
Known for apple production and seasonal orchard employment.
11. Great Lakes Greenhouses
Location: Ontario
One of Canada’s largest greenhouse vegetable producers.
12. Klippers Organic Acres
Location: British Columbia
Organic fruit and vegetable production with seasonal labor needs.
13. Sunrise Poultry Farms
Location: British Columbia
Offers agricultural support roles and livestock-related positions.
14. Bonduelle Farms
Location: Ontario
A major vegetable producer with seasonal harvesting and packaging jobs.
15. Houweling’s Tomatoes
Location: British Columbia
Large greenhouse operation employing seasonal greenhouse workers.
16. Silver Valley Farms
Location: Alberta
Seasonal positions in crop maintenance and harvesting.
17. Schuyler Farms
Location: Ontario
Known for vegetable production and seasonal labor opportunities.
18. Greenhill Produce
Location: Ontario
Frequently recruits workers for harvesting and packaging operations.
19. Highline Mushrooms
Location: Ontario
Offers year-round and seasonal opportunities in mushroom production.
20. BC Tree Fruits Cooperative
Location: British Columbia
Seasonal recruitment for fruit harvesting and packing activities.
21. Kroeker Farms
Location: Manitoba
A major potato producer hiring seasonal agricultural workers.
22. Star Produce Farms
Location: British Columbia
Offers harvest and packing opportunities throughout the growing season.
23. Red Hat Cooperative Farms
Location: Alberta
Seasonal greenhouse and vegetable production jobs.
24. Sunrise Berry Farms
Location: British Columbia
Known for berry harvesting opportunities during peak seasons.
25. Cavendish Farms
Location: Prince Edward Island
One of Canada’s largest potato producers with regular seasonal recruitment needs.
Requirements for Seasonal Farm Jobs
Most farm employers look for candidates who can:
- Perform physically demanding work
- Stand for long periods
- Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Follow workplace safety procedures
- Work flexible schedules during peak seasons
Many entry-level positions do not require formal education.
However, previous farming, gardening, harvesting, landscaping, or warehouse experience can improve your chances of selection.
Can Foreign Workers Apply?
Yes.
Many Canadian farms hire international workers through approved immigration programs.
Common pathways include:
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
Available to workers from participating countries through government agreements.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Allows employers to recruit foreign workers when labor shortages exist.
Agri-Food Pilot
Certain agricultural occupations may qualify for pathways leading to permanent residence.
How to Apply for Canadian Seasonal Farm Jobs
Step 1: Prepare a Canadian-Style Resume
Your resume should highlight:
- Agricultural experience
- Physical labor experience
- Equipment operation skills
- Language abilities
- Relevant certifications
Step 2: Search Legitimate Job Listings
Focus on:
- Employer career pages
- Provincial agricultural associations
- Government-approved job platforms
Step 3: Apply Early
Many employers begin recruiting months before planting and harvest seasons.
Step 4: Verify LMIA Availability
If you require a work permit, confirm whether the employer can support hiring through Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Step 5: Attend Interviews
Employers may conduct interviews by phone or video call before extending job offers.
Red Flags to Avoid
Unfortunately, scammers often target foreign workers seeking Canadian jobs.
Avoid any employer or recruiter that:
- Guarantees a visa without a job offer
- Requests payment for employment
- Promises unrealistic salaries
- Refuses to provide company information
- Uses unofficial email addresses
Legitimate Canadian employers do not sell jobs.
Final Thoughts
Seasonal farm work remains one of the most accessible employment opportunities for foreign workers looking to gain Canadian work experience. While the work can be physically demanding, it offers a realistic pathway into Canada’s agricultural sector and, in some cases, can lead to longer-term employment opportunities.
The 25 employers listed above represent some of the better-known agricultural operations that regularly require seasonal labor. By preparing a strong Canadian-style resume, applying through legitimate channels, and understanding the available immigration pathways, foreign workers can significantly improve their chances of securing employment in Canada’s thriving agricultural industry.
