Protecting Workers and Our Food Supply Chain

New strategy designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 ahead of next year’s growing season

Our PC government understands the impact COVID-19 outbreaks have had on farm workers, farms, greenhouses and agri-businesses and how hard they have worked to address this difficult situation.

That’s why today we were pleased to announce the Prevention, Control and Outbreak Support Strategy for COVID-19 in Ontario’s Farm Workers. This government-industry developed strategy is designed to prevent COVID-19 transmission and protect workers and the province’s food supply chain ahead of next year’s growing season.

The strategy provides guiding principles and actions on how to ensure enhanced prevention and control on farm operations, farm worker safety and wellness, and maintaining the sustainability and viability of Ontario’s agri-food sector. It is founded on three pillars related to prevention and containment: before getting on the farm; on the farm; and farm worker housing.

While our government continues its ongoing work with partners to bring current, on-farm COVID-19 outbreaks under control, we recognize the need for a sustained effort and longer-term planning to ensure we have the tools we need to protect workers and prevent outbreaks in agri-food workplaces going forward.

As we continue to work through the harvest season, reducing the spread of COVID-19 on farms and in agri-food workplaces is critical to keep the community safe and Ontario’s food supply chain strong.