More Than 8,000 Seasonal Agricultural Workers Travelled to Canada in 2025
Over 8,000 Jamaican nationals travelled to Canada during 2025 under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme, according to figures disclosed at an official send-off ceremony in Kingston.
Among those deployed, approximately 3,303 participants had accumulated more than a decade of experience in the programme, while 1,051 workers were entering the initiative for the first time.
Female participation also featured in the latest cohort, with 417 applications from women successfully processed for farm placements in Canada.
The data were shared by Canada’s High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency Mark Berman, during the departure ceremony held on Tuesday, January 6, at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Overseas Employment Centre on East Street.
“We’re really pleased to see that the programme continues to advance with a strong commitment to embracing gender diversity,” Mr. Berman said.
Attention was also drawn to increased inclusiveness within the programme, as four differently abled Jamaicans were placed on Canadian farms, a development the High Commissioner publicly applauded.
The longstanding relationship between both countries was further highlighted with the revelation that the Jamaica–Canada farm work programme is marking its 60th year of partnership in 2025.
For six decades, Mr. Berman noted, Jamaican workers have played a critical role in supporting Canada’s agricultural sector and helping to maintain food security for Canadian households.
“And it’s your dedication and your hard work that have made a lasting impact, and for that, we’re deeply thankful,” he said, while also recognising the collaboration between the Migration Section of the Canadian High Commission and Jamaica’s Overseas Employment Programme.
Ongoing cooperation between both governments and Canadian employers remains a priority, Mr. Berman added, with a continued focus on fairness, safety, efficiency, and participant protection.
Beyond labour contributions, the High Commissioner said the programme creates economic opportunities for workers and their families, promotes skills development, and facilitates the exchange of agricultural practices between Jamaica and Canada.
Resilience among Jamaican stakeholders was also acknowledged following disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa, which affected programme operations.
Despite those challenges, the determination shown by workers and partners ensured continued movement of the programme during a milestone year in bilateral agricultural cooperation.
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