Meet the faces behind the Ontario produce on your plate! Each year thousands of migrant farm workers make their way to Ontario to work on fruit and vegetable farms around the province. While for many of them this experience is relatively new, some workers have been returning to Ontario farms for over 20 years! From trumpet players to carpenters, they all have a unique story to share. Click the profiles below to learn more about the women and men who play such an important role on our farms.
Yvonne, Seasonal Agricultural Worker from Jamaica
In processing plant I got the nickname Peaches when I was young –so it was a surprise, when I first came to Canada in 2000, that I found myself working on this peach farm! I’m from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. There we have the best food, beautiful beaches and good entertainment. When I’m not here, I run a bar there.
Mellissa, Seasonal Agricultural Worker from Jamaica
I first started coming to Canada as a Seasonal Agricultural Worker in 2009 and worked in an apple orchard in Nova Scotia. 2021 is my first year working on this peach and cherry farm in Ontario. It’s hard starting all over again meeting new people here but there aren’t any jobs or opportunity back home and by working here, I can help my family.
Carlos M., Guest worker at Nature Fresh Farms
Originally from Honduras, Carlos M. came from a big family that also worked in agriculture. When Carlos was living full-time in Honduras, he worked as an electrician, went to school for forestry, and grew his own food. Carlos came to Canada from 2011 to 2013 as part of the Canadian Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program before returning to Honduras.
Cordia, Seasonal Agricultural Worker, working on fruit farm
I’m 36 years old and have been coming to Canada for six years. I’ve worked on three different farms as a Seasonal Agricultural Worker. I’ve been on this peach farm for two years.
Aubrey, fruit orchard employee and Seasonal Agricultural Worker from Jamaica
I’ve been coming to Canada for 17 years from Jamaica. I used to work on an apple farm and then a greenhouse. I’ve been on this farm for 12 years. I like the grapes.
Gervacio E., Guest worker at Nature Fresh Farms
Gervacio E. has been a Guest Worker at Nature Fresh Farms for the last 6 years, returning each year to help provide for his family and neighbors back home in Guatemala. From a humble family, Gervacio decided to come to Canada to provide a better quality of life for himself and his loved ones.
Facundo, Seasonal Agriculture Worker from Mexico
This was the first farm I came to in Canada five years ago and it’ll be the last one too. It’s really good working here. They have machines to help with everything which makes the work easier for us.
Ryan H., Guest worker at Nature Fresh Farms from Jamaica
Before he decided to come to Canada, Ryan H. worked as an Administrative Clerk in his home country of Jamaica. But for over 10 years, Ryan has been working at Nature Fresh Farms as a Guest Worker through the Canadian Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program!
Keron, Seasonal Agricultural Worker from Jamaica
My name is Keron and I come from the great land of Jamaica – the land of sun and water! I’ve been coming here for nine years. Our MP distributed some information on the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program and I applied. There’s always more people apply than get chosen so I was glad to get […]
Juan Carlos, Seasonal Agricultural Worker from Mexico
My name is Juan Carlos and I come from the State of Guanajuato. My reason to be here, to come here to Canada, is for the welfare of my family, to help them and to give my children a good future.
Myron, Fruit Orchard Employee and Seasonal Agricultural Worker from Jamaica
I’ve been coming here since 2008 and always coming to this farm. Because this is the first farm and I don’t find any fault with it so that’s the reason I’m here. As long as the boss is good to me, I’m still going to be here!
Victorino, Seasonal Agricultural Worker from Mexico
My name is Victorino. My job here at DC Farms is to work with eggplants and cucumbers. We are very comfortable at this farm and we hope that we return next year. More than anything we are very grateful to farmers Ernie, Mary and Mike.