Jamaica and Canada celebrate 60 years of farm work ties

Jamaica and Canada recently marked a major milestone in their shared agricultural history, celebrating 60 years of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP) with a special awards ceremony. 
The event brought together farm workers, Canadian employers, and key stakeholders to honour the people who have kept one of the world’s most enduring labour partnerships thriving.
In total, 22 Jamaican farm workers and 21 Canadian employers received awards for their dedication and performance. The recognised workers — all nominated directly by their employers — boast impressive track records, with service ranging from 13 to 34 years in the programme.
Congratulating the honourees, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr highlighted the lasting impact of their hard work:
“Through decades of commitment, our farm workers have earned the respect of employers and contributed significantly to Jamaica maintaining a reputation for providing skilled, dependable and hard-working agricultural workers”.
The award-winning Canadian employers represent partnerships spanning 20 to 60 years. Standing out among them is Dorsey Farms, which has hired Jamaican workers every single year since 1966, along with long-time partners Oaklane Orchards, G.H. Lambe and Sons, and Ontario Potato Inc.
“These employers have demonstrated an enduring commitment to Jamaican workers and their families. Their partnership has created opportunities for generations of Jamaicans while strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries,” Charles said.
The minister also praised chief liaison officer Althea Riley and the Jamaican Liaison Service team for organising the event, supporting workers on the ground, and maintaining strong ties with Canadian officials and agricultural leaders.
The location of the ceremony carried special historic weight. Held in the Georgian Bay region of Canada, the event took place near Clarksburg and Meaford — the very communities that welcomed the first Jamaican farm workers when the programme was launched in 1966. Meaford was also the site of the original 1965 pilot project that laid the groundwork for the partnership.