Careers in agriculture account for one of every eight jobs on PEI, and the number is increasing.
The PEI Agriculture Sector Council is a non-profit organization which provides a vehicle for effective industry participation in identifying and addressing human resource issues in the agriculture industry.
At the age of 30, Laurie Loane, Executive Director, PEI Agriculture Sector Council, was asked about her career passion for the first time.
“No one had asked me that before. I had to stop and think about whether I was in the right place workwise in my life. What did I want to do every day? What made me get out of bed looking forward to the day and what made me feel good at the end of the day? The first thing I thought of was being directly in an agriculture career, which has been my ambition since I was young.”
According to WorkPEI Employment Analysis for the province of PEI, 3,400 people worked in Agriculture as of February 2025 as compared to 3,100 a year ago.
Supporting the next generation of farming on PEI – Explore scholarships, training programs, and financial assistance options dedicated to empowering young agricultural talent on PEI
Hiring needs in the agriculture sector across the province
The PEI Agriculture Sector Council offers assistance in job placement and training within the agriculture industry. As a non-profit organization, it serves as a platform for active industry involvement in identifying and resolving human resource challenges.
Jobs in agriculture range from seasonal to year-round, with a current high demand for Drivers holding Class 3A or Class 1 licenses.
During spring, the PEI Agriculture Sector Council’s job board showcases numerous job postings as farmers prepare for planting. August is another peak hiring period, particularly for potato farms during harvest.
Common roles on potato farms include Potato Grader, Truck Driver, and Heavy Equipment Operator.
There are diverse career opportunities within agriculture beyond farm work, such as roles in farm equipment stores, accounting, research, and technology.
To learn more about jobs in agriculture, call or email the Agriculture Employment Officer: Charlottetown at 902-892-2591 or 1-866-892-1091, info@peiagsc.ca
Visit www.peiagsc.ca and click Employment
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Local education/training
Training opportunities, including Class 3A and Class 1 license programs, are available through the sector council multiple times a year, funded by Skills PEI and the Department of Agriculture. These programs aim to upskill existing agricultural workers, enabling them to transition between seasonal positions and enhancing employee retention.
Additionally, the PEI Agriculture Sector Council collaborates with Dalhousie University to offer a unique two-year registered apprenticeship program. This program integrates classroom instruction with on-farm experience, leading to a Certificate of Qualification in Farm Technician with the PEI Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning.
Designed to address the demand for skilled agricultural workers, the apprenticeship program provides valuable training and contributes to the sustainability of the agricultural workforce on PEI.
Laurie Loane, Executive Director of the PEI Agriculture Sector Council, highlights the program’s success, with an annual participation of 18 to 25 individuals, including a diverse age range and increased female participation. “Employers are actively investing in employee development to foster productivity and ensure business continuity through succession planning.”
Those interested in pursuing certification as a Blue Seal Certified Farm Technician can begin by registering with PEIAGSC. Call Laurie Loane at 902-892-2591 for more information and to register.
- Truck and Transport Mechanic Apprenticeship training now available on PEI
- Atlantic Veterinary College
- More Long and Short-term courses and programs
- PEI Farm Technician Apprenticeship program
Resources to further explore the field
- Resources and services for employers and job seekers looking to build a career in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector permanently or temporarily
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and new website to strengthening the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector
- PEI Agriculture Sector Council
- PEI ADAPT Council
- Department of Agriculture
Did you know? Students can earn a bonus
Team Food Island is an incentive to encourage people to enter the agriculture sector. Again, this year, summer students can qualify for a bonus while working in the agriculture industry. The extra funds have helped high school and post-secondary students save for their future education. This program starts accepting applications in April.
For more information on Team Food Island.
PEI Agriculture news you can use:
- The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer
- The PEI Potato Council has established a scholarship for students undertaking post-secondary studies. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of industry leaders who will contribute to strengthening, innovating, and growing the potato industry in PEI.
- CASA is now accepting applications year-round for the Back to Ag program: Applicants must be farmers who have experienced a life-altering incident resulting in a disability. They must demonstrate that the purchase of specialized equipment or adaptation of existing equipment will help them get back to work on the farm safely.
- A Healthy Farm is a Safe Farm: This farm safety and mental wellness hub is dedicated to bringing together information and resources in one place, improving the health and safety of all Canadian farmers, farm families, farm workers and farming communities.
- The World Economic Forum explores how AI, robotics, energy and network technologies are reshaping seven major job families: agriculture, manufacturing, construction, retail and wholesale trade, transport and logistics, business and management, and healthcare.
- Little Dutch Flower Farm : une passion devenue entreprise
- Une ferme qui régénère la terre et les liens humains
- Gilles Bernard ouvre une petite entreprise à Mont-Carmel
- Strengthening Canada’s Agri-Food Workforce
- Older adult loneliness will cost Canada billions – lifelong career development can change that
- W.P. Griffin Inc., a family-owned and operated farming and packaging facility in Elmsdale, PEI, has been a cornerstone of the local agricultural industry since 1947 - CBDC highlights this business
- BioTalent announces Jennifer Ash is the quarterly winner of BioTalent Canada’s “Difference Maker” award.
- Creating space for innovation on a full-scale farm (Emili Canada)
- PEI’s Top Industries: The Backbone of our Economy
- Check out farms across the Island and see if this career is for you
- Engaging women in Agriculture – to level the field in AG
- Food Bloggers of Canada Discovery Tour hosted by Food Island Partnership
- PEI Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program open for applications
- PEI Business Spotlight: Fromagerie PEI
- Employment and training available in agriculture
What is your something?
What is your future career path? You have to do SOMETHING to earn a living, but what will it be?
Here are some examples of careers in agriculture and food… Is there SOMETHING that interests you?
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