Migrant Workers Arrive to Help Local Farmers

Monday, 6 April 2020 14:19

The County of Brant has issued a statement regarding the extra safety measures being taken with the arrival of migrant farm workers to the region.

BRANT COUNTY - Migrant workers have arrived in the region to help out the local agriculture sector.

Most of them reside in Norfolk County, with several working on Farms in Brant and Oxford.

Mayor of Brant County David Bailey, says they welcome the migrant farm workers back to the community.

“As the COVID-19 health emergency continues to evolve, migrant farm workers play a critical role in supporting our food supply. Every year, many of the same workers return to our community, supporting our farmers and filling our grocery stores. To many farmers, these workers are like family as they’ve been returning for the past 25 years. The migrant farm workers have specialized farming skills and are an asset to our community.”

The federal government has exempted temporary foreign workers, including migrant farm workers, from some COVID-19 travel restrictions. Approximately 20,000 migrant workers come to Ontario, supporting our agricultural industry.

The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) has taken a proactive approach and has issued a number of requirements to ensure the safety of workers and the community. Included in the list of requirements is a mandatory quarantine period of 14 days, an isolation, accommodation and transportation plan and notification to BCHU if a worker becomes sick with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 at any point during their stay in Canada. Acting Medical Officer of Health for the BCHU Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke explains why they are taking these precautions.

“BCHU recognizes the importance of the temporary farm workers to local farming operations and the food supply chain. Both farm operators and workers play an important role in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”

The County of Brant Economic Development team has been working hand-in-hand with the agricultural community and all pertinent levels of government from the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the agricultural sector within Brant is supported, to ensure food security and to adhere to public health requirements.