Corn being irrigated at Michaud Farm, Bouctouche (Facebook/Michaud Farm)
While many farmers have enjoyed a great growing season and a bountiful harvest, the New Brunswick Agricultural Alliance says labour shortages are still a major issue on the farm.
President Lisa Ashworth says at least one producer voiced concerns on social media recently which drew some angry comments.
“The combination of labour struggles and a bountiful harvest meant we were wasting food that should be getting to the consumer.”
As an example, Ashworth says if green beans are ready to be picked and you don’t have someone to pick them, you risk losing the crop.
She says many producers weren’t able to bring in as many temporary foreign workers this year due to Public Health COVID-19 restrictions surrounding housing and self-isolation.
“Some people simply couldn’t afford or make work on the short notice of the enforced two weeks in a hotel. Those things we chatted about and some of those things simply didn’t work.”
Ashworth notes it wasn’t necessarily feasible from both the New Brunswick standpoint or from the country where the temporary workers are coming from.
She adds it can often be difficult for workers from Mexico or Guatemala to get access to COVID-19 testing or vaccination clinics in their home countries before coming to Canada.
