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Human resources

Last updated on July 6, 2026

Effective human resource management helps attract, support and retain employees. By clearly defining roles, expectations and workplace requirements, you can build a productive workforce, reduce turnover and create a safer, more positive workplace.

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Workforce management

Successful workforce management involves several key responsibilities that help you support employees, meet legal requirements and maintain a productive workplace.

  • Personnel and regulations
  • Hiring and supervising
  • Motivating, evaluating and training
  • Communication, problem solving and discipline
  • Familial considerations

Employer guides

Employee handbook

An employee handbook is a valuable communication tool for farm employers, managers and employees. It explains the responsibilities and benefits of working on a farm. This guide is relevant to a wide range of organizational structures and types of operations:

Employer Reference Handbook

The following guide introduces basic human resource management concepts and practices. It is designed to encourage agriculture businesses to take steps towards implementing quality human resources management practices:

Communicable disease planning

Get guidance on communicable disease planning and workplace safety.

Develop a communicable disease plan

Industry associations, WorkSafeBC and the ministry work together to provide guidance that aligns with Provincial Health Officer requirements. Businesses are responsible for ensuring their own workplace health and safety plans meet current requirements. 

Get health and safety resources

Access emergency planning resources

AgSafeBC

AgSafeBC's emergency planning resources, training and tools to help build or strengthen your occupational health and safety program. Resources can be adapted to meet the needs of your operation.

AgSafeBC also provides industry-specific training, education and consultation services to support safe and healthy workplaces across B.C.

Evacuation alerts and orders

Agriculture workers evacuation alerts and orders (PDF, 140KB) outlines the responsibilities of agricultural employers and workers during evacuation alerts and orders.

Labour and employment resources

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B.C. Farm, Fish and Food Job Connector

The B.C. Farm, Fish and Food Job Connector helps you find and post jobs across B.C., including opportunities for:

  • Crop and seafood harvesters
  • Farm and food processing workers
  • Agrologists
  • Equipment operators
  • Marketing specialists

The Job Connector includes opportunities in more than 30 communities throughout the province and provides sector-specific communicable disease and workplace guidance.

 

Migrant worker rights, protections and support

All workers in B.C., regardless of immigration status, are protected under the Employment Standards Act and have the right to a safe workplace and living environment.

Employers and workers can access support and resources through provincial and regional organizations.

Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC (AMSSA)

AMSSA has tools, training and information to support migrant workers, including resources related to:

  • Settlement and integration
  • Immigration
  • Diversity and inclusion

Western Agriculture Labour Initiative (WALI)

WALI has resources and guidance for employers who hire temporary foreign workers in the agriculture sector.

 

Funding opportunities

Financial and advisory programs are available for agricultural producers.

Assess the strengths and weaknesses of your agribusiness by completing the Taking Stock workbook:

Contact information

Phone:
1-888-221-7141

Email:
AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca