The Herberts have hired temporary workers from Mexico through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program since 2006, with many of the same workers returning year after year. Many Alberta farmers rely on the program, said Willard de Wilde, president of Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association. De Wilde, who owns a berry farm north of Lethbridge, said some Alberta farmers who use temporary workers had to plant less than usual this year. "So when we have those seasonal agricultural workers, they are here for those emergency situations." As of June 14, nearly 32,000 seasonal agricultural workers had arrived in Canada for the 2020 season, according to the spokesperson.

Source: CBC News July 07, 2020 13:52 UTC