What is the main goal of this project?
The project aims to address skill gaps in Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sectors by delivering hands-on, innovative training through workshops, field trips, online certification, and community engagement. It supports youth, women, newcomers, job seekers, and transitioning workers in exploring careers in agri-tech and agri-food, including skilled trades.
Who is eligible to participate?
Participants include: High school and post-secondary students, Women re-entering the workforce, Job seekers and underemployed individuals, Newcomers to Canada (within 5 years), Youth (ages 15–29), Person(s) with disabilities, Racialized individuals, Indigenous peoples.
The definitions from the Ministry for eligibility are as follows:
Individuals Awaiting Permanent Residence Status
Individuals with a 900-series Social Insurance Number (SIN)4 and an open work permit who have received preliminary approval from the federal government and are waiting for their permanent residence status to be finalized are eligible for participation in SDF-funded projects. Proof of status is required.
Refugee claimants with a 900-series SIN and an open work permit are also eligible to participate in an SDF-funded project
Temporary Foreign Workers with an employer-specific work permit
Temporary foreign workers with a 900-series SIN are not eligible for participation in SDF-funded projects.
International Students
International students with a 900-series SIN are eligible for participation in SDF-funded projects. Ensure each international student has a work permit or documentation that would allow them to work in Ontario after they have been trained.
Is this program accessible across Ontario?
Yes. Through online learning platforms and light-touch in-person events (1.5–3 hours), the program is accessible to participants across Ontario. Field trips and workshops are offered in regions such as Toronto, York, Durham, Peel, Simcoe, and Dufferin.
What activities are included in the program?
Activities include: 24 Agri-Tech Workshops (3 hours each), 24 Hands-On Field Trips to Boreal Farms and partner sites, 12 Community Engagement Sessions, 10 Storytelling Videos on local agri-tech entrepreneurs, 2 Job Networking Events, Online Learning & Certification Platform, Program Evaluation & Research with Seneca Polytechnic.
What are the participation requirements?
All participants must complete the following as part of their program involvement: Pre- and post-surveys to evaluate learning and outcomes, Official registration forms, including demographic and eligibility information (required by the Ministry), Photo and media consent forms to allow for documentation and storytelling of program impact.
What support will participants receive?
Supports include: Curriculum-aligned educational resources, Transportation assistance (e.g., gas/taxi reimbursement), Childcare support for in-person events, Wage subsidies for internships/co-ops, Access to safety certifications, Post-program alumni networking and mentorship
Will participants receive job placements?
Yes. Through partnerships with Boreal Farms, Seneca Polytechnic, and local agri-tech companies, participants can access co-op opportunities, job placements, and an agricultural incubator program to apply their skills in real-world settings. These positions are not guaranteed and limited to 50 spots.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. There is no charge for participants to access the program. Financial barriers are addressed through wraparound supports.
How will the impact of the project be measured?
Performance will be measured through:
- Surveys & interviews (pre and post participation)
- Attendance tracking
- Job placement rates
- Skills acquired and certifications earned
- Research evaluation reports from Seneca
- Ongoing feedback loops with stakeholders
How do I register for the program?
Participants can register for the “Future of Food and Farming” program directly through our website by completing a short intake form. During registration, participants will have the option to choose a learning track that best aligns with their interests and goals.
Participants can register for one or multiple tracks, and each track includes a bundled learning experience package:
-One Community Night event
– One Hands-On Workshop
– One Field Trip to a local agri-tech or farm site
– Access to Online Certification Modules with learning resources and live webinars.
Each learning bundle is designed to be immersive, flexible, and accessible. The online components ensure province-wide reach, while in-person activities provide rich, hands-on exposure to agri-food careers.
For all our participants registered in our program, online access will be provided to our platform – STEAM Hub. Upon registration, you will receive login credentials to the platform. As programs are delivered, learning resources will be published for reference. The access will be granted until March 31st, 2026.
What is the scope of learning?
Learning tracks Include:
- Online Certification – TUG
- AgriTech 4.0 – Robotics and Drones in Agriculture
- Skilled Trades in Agriculture
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Compliance
- Agronomy and the Science of Plants and Soils
- Food Security and Sustainability
- Horticulture and Greenhouse Workers and Operators
- Small Scale Operators in the AgriFood Sector