Earn Up to 23.50/Hour: Vegetable Farm Worker
Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to work in Canada’s thriving agricultural sector? Kingsville, Ontario, a hub for greenhouse vegetable farming, is actively seeking dedicated Vegetable Farm Workers to join its vibrant industry. Many positions come with the crucial benefit of visa sponsorship, opening doors for international applicants eager to contribute to Canada’s food supply and build a new life.
Why Kingsville, Ontario?
Kingsville, nestled in Essex County, is renowned for its fertile lands and advanced greenhouse operations, producing a vast array of fresh vegetables year-round. This region offers:
- Abundant Job Opportunities: With numerous farms, particularly large-scale greenhouse operations, there’s a consistent demand for skilled and eager farm workers.
- Supportive Environment: The Canadian and Ontario governments are committed to creating welcoming communities for international agri-food workers, providing resources and support to help you settle in.
- Economic Stability: Farm worker positions in Canada often offer competitive wages, with opportunities for full-time, permanent employment.
What Does a Vegetable Farm Worker Do?
As a vegetable farm worker, your tasks may vary depending on the farm and the type of crops. Common responsibilities include:
- Planting and Cultivation: Preparing soil, planting seeds or seedlings, and tending to growing plants.
- Harvesting: Hand-picking or machine-assisted harvesting of various vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and leafy greens.
- Greenhouse Maintenance: Cleaning and sanitizing greenhouses, maintaining optimal growing conditions, and assisting with plant care.
- Packing and Sorting: Grading, sorting, and packaging harvested produce for market.
- General Farm Duties: Operating and maintaining farm machinery (if experienced), irrigation, pest control, and general upkeep of the farm premises.
Key Skills & Requirements:
While specific requirements can vary, successful applicants generally possess:
- Physical Stamina: Farm work is physically demanding, involving repetitive tasks, bending, lifting heavy loads, and working in various weather conditions (though greenhouse work offers more controlled environments).
- Strong Work Ethic: A commitment to hard work, reliability, and attention to detail is highly valued.
- Ability to Work Independently and in a Team: You’ll often work as part of a team but also be expected to complete tasks efficiently on your own.
- Basic Communication Skills: Proficiency in English or French is often beneficial for communication with supervisors and colleagues.
- No Formal Education Required: Many entry-level farm worker positions do not require a degree or diploma, with on-the-job training often provided. Previous experience in agriculture is an asset but not always mandatory.
Compensation and Cost of Living in Kingsville
Farm worker wages in Ontario typically align with the provincial minimum wage, which as of October 1, 2025, will be 17.60 per hour Canadian. Many positions may offer higher, with average hourly wages for farm workers in Ontario often ranging between 15.50 and 18.00 per hour Canadian, and some reaching up to 23.50 per hour Canadian for experienced workers or specialized roles.
While exact living costs vary, Kingsville generally offers a more affordable cost of living compared to larger Canadian cities.
- Rent: Expect to find apartments or shared accommodation ranging from approximately 1,100 to 2,000 per month Canadian for 1-bedroom units, depending on size and location. Houses for rent can be higher.
- Utilities & Groceries: These costs are typical for a Canadian town, with opportunities to save by budgeting and utilizing local markets.
A worker making the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week could see an annual pay of over 36,000 Canadian.
Visa Sponsorship: Your Pathway to Canada
For international applicants, securing a work permit with visa sponsorship is a critical step. Canadian employers often utilize programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to hire foreign nationals when Canadian citizens or permanent residents are not available.
The Application Process Typically Involves:
- Job Offer: The crucial first step is to secure a job offer from a Canadian farm employer who is willing to sponsor your work visa.
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Your employer will typically need to obtain a positive LMIA from Service Canada. This document demonstrates that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker to fill the position and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian job market.
- Work Permit Application: Once a positive LMIA is obtained (if required), you can then apply for your work permit. This application will require various documents, including your job offer letter and the LMIA.
- Visa Approval: Upon successful approval of your work permit application, you will receive the necessary visa to work legally in Canada.
Important Resources for Applicants:
- Job Bank Canada: This is the official job board of the Government of Canada and an excellent starting point for finding legitimate farm worker jobs. Look for postings that specify “intended applicants: international candidates” or “LMIA pending/approved.” Visit Job Bank (Please search for “farm worker Kingsville ON” and filter for “Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)” to find relevant openings).
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): The official source for all Canadian immigration and visa information, including details on work permits for agricultural workers. Explore their resources at IRCC Official Website.
- Agricultural Recruitment Agencies: Several agencies specialize in connecting international workers with Canadian farm employers. A quick online search for “Canada agricultural recruitment agencies” can help you find reputable options.
Ready to Apply?
Don’t miss this opportunity to start a fulfilling career in Canada’s agricultural sector. Begin by searching for “vegetable farm worker jobs Kingsville Ontario visa sponsorship” on reputable job boards. Prepare a concise resume highlighting any relevant experience and a compelling cover letter explaining your interest and commitment.