Monique Broughton (left), Chief Representative Officer at the JN Bank Canada Representative Office handovers a gift to a Jamaican farm worker on the Seasonal Agricultural Farm Work Programme in Canada during a social mingle with workers in December 2026.
The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programme (SAWP) — one of the most successful bilateral labour mobility agreements in the world — is celebrating its diamond jubilee in 2026. What started six decades ago as a modest initiative has grown into a programme that sends more than 9,000 Jamaican workers to Canadian farms each year, transforming lives and contributing significantly to both economies.
From 264 Workers to More than 9,000: SAWP’s 60-Year Growth
Chief Liaison Officer of the Jamaican Liaison Service in Toronto, Althea Riley, described the programme’s extraordinary growth.
“What began as a modest initiative involving a small group of Jamaican workers employed on Canadian farms has grown into one of the most successful bilateral labour mobility programmes in the world,” she said, noting the programme expanded from 264 participants annually to more than 9,000 today.
The Jamaican Liaison Service, which represents Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Canada, is responsible for promoting and protecting the interests of Jamaican seasonal workers throughout their time in Canada.
Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
Anniversary events marking 60 years of the SAWP include:
- Illumination of Niagara Falls in Jamaican and Canadian colours (April 2026)
- A church service and awards ceremony
- A documentary on the programme’s history
- Public education sessions across Canada
- Over 80 scholarships awarded to farm workers’ children
- A proposed national day honouring farm workers
- Tree-planting activities
SAWP’s Broader Impact: Economic and Social Development
Mrs. Riley emphasised that the programme has evolved far beyond employment.
“It has become a vehicle for social and economic development, enabling workers to support their families, invest in housing, education, agriculture, and small businesses, and contribute significantly to Jamaica’s economy through remittances and skills development,” she said.
How JN Bank and JN Money Are Supporting SAWP Workers
Monique Broughton, Chief Representative Officer of the JN Bank Canada Representative Office, explained how the bank’s involvement grew organically from the needs of workers themselves.
“When JN Money started to partner with the Liaison Office, the workers would always ask about bank accounts and mortgages. Mrs. Riley recognised that there was an opportunity to provide additional support and invited someone from the bank to come as well,” Ms. Broughton said.
Savings and Long-Term Financial Planning
JN Bank is helping farm workers build lasting financial security through its Partner Plan savings programme and personalised financial coaching.
“What we’ve been encouraging the workers to do is, while they work and they’re sending money back to Jamaica, to save some as well. The Partner Plan concept is very popular, and we’re helping them develop savings habits and take advantage of a formal savings programme,” Ms. Broughton explained.
JN Money in Simcoe: On-the-Ground Access
To better reach workers in Ontario’s farming communities, JN Money opened a dedicated branch in Simcoe in 2024 — one of the main farm worker regions — and conducts pop-up sessions to make transactions and account openings as accessible as possible.
JN Bank is also sponsoring appreciation events across Ontario, recognising long-serving participants and celebrating workers with entertainment, games and giveaways.
Programme Eligibility and How to Apply
Under SAWP, Canadian employers recruit workers from participating Caribbean and Mexican communities for a maximum of eight months between January 1 and December 15. The programme covers fruit and vegetable farming, horticulture, nursery production and other agricultural sectors. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess relevant farming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programme has been operating for 60 years as of 2026, starting with 264 Jamaican workers and growing to over 9,000 annually.
JN Money has an office in Simcoe, Ontario, serving the farming community. Workers can also visit pop-up sessions or contact the JN Bank Canada Representative Office in Toronto at 416-784-9657.
JN Bank offers savings accounts, the Partner Plan savings programme, remittance services through JN Money and support for long-term financial planning including mortgages for properties in Jamaica.
