Articles

Sometimes, all it takes is 30 minutes to learn the ins and outs of new food technologies and trends that are transforming the food and beverage industry. In this series, we’ll dig into a food innovation topic and link you to the best content and resources so you can become a master on the topic in 30 minutes (or less!).  

Finding and retaining skilled workers is an ongoing problem in all sectors of the food industry. As experienced workers retire, food businesses are often struggling to attract younger employees to replace them. And with more companies adding automation, digitization and other food technology, finding workers with the skills and training needed to succeed has become even more challenging. 

This week we’re looking at some of the labour issues, opportunities and resources accessible both to food and beverage entrepreneurs looking for talent, and skilled professionals hoping to enter the industry. 

The Overview  

Government of Canada – What We Heard Report – Agricultural Labour Strategy
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s summary of consultations with stakeholders on the development of a National Agriculture Labour Strategy. The report outlines the challenges facing the agriculture and food industries surrounding labour, as well as next steps. 

Statistics Canada – The changing nature of work in Canada: 1987 to 2024
Data from early 2025 indicates that Canadian employment continues shifting from routine, manual roles toward non-routine, cognitive jobs, with little evidence so far of widespread AI disruption despite ongoing technological change. 

Just Food - Canada Extends Agri-food Sector Labour Scheme
Industries eligible under the scheme include meat product manufacturing, food processing and greenhouse production. 

Food in Canada – Success Factors when Hiring Newcomers
The role of immigration in addressing labour market challenges. 

YODL - How Networking on YODL Led to a New Career Path and the Growth of Ontario's Laplace Robotics 
Jeff Hetherington forged a new career through a connection on YODL. 

Resources 

FBO – Skilled Trades Study & Recommendations
Ontario's food and beverage processing industry is seeking to increase education, employment opportunities, and access to qualified foreign workers to make up for a shortage of skilled trade workers. 

FPSC – At the Crossroad to Greatness
Key insights and labour market research about Canada’s food and beverage processing industry. 

FPSC – 2024 Labour Market Information Survey
A report addressing labour challenges in the Canadian food and beverage manufacturing industry. 

Social Media 

@FoodGrads – (Facebook) FoodGrads supports students beginning their careers in the food and beverage industry. 

Food and Beverage Canada – Aliments et boissons Canada – (LinkedIn) The association advocates for the food and beverage manufacturing industry on many issues, including labour and workforce development. 

@jobsthatfeed – (Instagram) – Jobs That Feed connects people to employment in the food industry. 

Overtime 

If you’ve got more than 30 minutes, these are for you: 

PodBean – Food and Beverage Processor Forum 

A discussion on the industry’s labour gaps. 

Spotify – The FoodGrads Podcast 

The FoodGrads podcast shares insights from food and beverage professionals at all stages in their careers.