The Jamaican Liaison Service (JLS) team participated in the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention (OFVC) from February 18-19, 2026, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, as part of its continued efforts to build and strengthen relationships within the Canadian agricultural sector and expand opportunities under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programme (SAWP).

The delegation’s participation underscored Jamaica’s commitment to growing the farmwork programme and securing additional employment opportunities for Jamaican agricultural workers in Canada. This strategic engagement aligns with the directive of Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, who has tasked the Liaison Service with utilising the SAWP as a key avenue to support Jamaica’s rebuilding efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.

Althea Riley, Chief Liaison Officer, Jamaica Liaison Service, who led the delegation, shared, “Our presence at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention reflects Jamaica’s unwavering commitment to strengthening long-standing partnerships within the Canadian agricultural sector. We are not only nurturing existing relationships but actively creating new pathways for employment for our Jamaican farm workers. In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, expanding opportunities under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programme is both an economic priority and a national responsibility. The strong interest expressed by current and prospective employers affirms the high regard in which Jamaican workers are held, and we remain steadfast in our mission to support their welfare while contributing meaningfully to Jamaica’s recovery and growth.”

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention is an annual two-day gathering of horticultural crop producers involved in fruit and vegetable production. The event attracts a broad cross-section of the horticultural industry, including government representatives, industry leaders, consultants, producers, associations, researchers and educators from across Canada.

The convention features expert-led educational sessions, a dynamic trade exhibition, and valuable networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and growth within the sector.

During the convention, the team engaged with more than 30 current employers in attendance and received several inquiries from prospective employers interested in hiring Jamaican farm workers.

The JLS booth experienced a steady flow of interested stakeholders, reflecting strong confidence in the professionalism and productivity of Jamaican workers under the SAWP.

Among the distinguished visitors to the JLS booth were Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, the Honourable Trevor Jones, and the Deputy Minister of Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, who are recognised as strong supporters of the SAWP. Their engagement further reinforces the importance of international collaboration in sustaining agricultural productivity and workforce stability.

The JLS remains committed to deepening partnerships within the Canadian agricultural sector, safeguarding the welfare of Jamaican workers overseas, and expanding opportunities that contribute meaningfully to Jamaica’s economic resilience and recovery.