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.
Marco Antonio, Seasonal Agricultural Worker from Mexico
I am Marco Antonio and I come from Mexico. I have been working here in Canada for 20 seasons and at DC Farms for 13 seasons. Everything is fine, comfortable, and I am very happy.
Neil, Seasonal Agricultural Worker from Trinidad and Tobago
I’m Neil and it’s my 11th year coming to Canada from Trinidad and Tobago. Ever since high school, I’ve always liked farming. My uncle came to Canada to work for about 33 years too so I knew about the program from him. I’ve always worked on this same farm. It’s a greenhouse that specializes in growing strawberry plants.
Ryan, Seasonal Agricultural Worker from Trinidad and Tobago
I’ve been coming to Canada from Trinidad and Tobago for about six years. My job entails whatever’s required of me on this vegetable farm. Packing, harvesting – the full works. I knew of others who had come to Canada to work and they would come back home and build their homes and purchase nicer vehicles and maintain their families better and I thought I’d take that try. I didn’t get through the first time I applied but I got through the second time.
Marino, Seasonal Agricultural Worker from Mexico
I’m Marino and I come from the state of Puebla in Mexico. I’ve been coming for eight seasons to three farms. This is my first year at this greenhouse. I really like the culture here in Canada and the people.
Nicholas, Seasonal Agricultural Worker from Jamaica
I’m Nicholas. I’ve been coming to Canada from Jamaica for the last nine years. I’ve been working for E-Z Grow for five years. They grow strawberry plants. I come some years in March and some years in April.
Paulino, Seasonal Agricultural Worker from Mexico
Hello friends. My name is Paulino and I come from the state of Guerrero, Mexico. I’ve been in this program for approximately 13 years and have been at DC Farms about eight years. As a worker, I have a lot of experience with cucumber and eggplant.