Mr Smikle and Family
When Mark Smikle stepped onto a Canadian farm in 1999 as a 26-year-old from Mandeville, Manchester, he had one goal: to give his family a better life. Twenty-seven years later, his story is one of the most compelling examples of what the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programme (SAWP) can make possible.
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
Mr. Smikle’s entry into the programme was serendipitous.
“I went to do a Labour Day project at a church and somebody from the Ministry of Labour was there. She saw me working and asked if I wanted to travel on the programme,” he recalled.
He had previously tried to join the programme without success. That unexpected introduction opened the door to a 27-year journey that would transform not just his life, but the lives of his entire family.
Life as a Seasonal Farm Worker in Canada
Every year, Mr. Smikle leaves Jamaica for up to eight months. During peak harvest season, workdays can stretch from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
“You have to be on the go. You have to start and finish with speed. You have to have a lot of energy to keep up with the work in Canada. It’s a total different work from Jamaica,” he said.
Over the years, he harvested cherries, peaches and pears on a farm in Ontario before transitioning to a second farm — also in Ontario — where he now harvests peppers, tomatoes and sweet corn.
Jamaican Workers Are Valued for Their Work Ethic
Mr. Smikle noted that Jamaican workers are especially sought after on Canadian farms.
“For the work ethic, they rather Jamaicans,” he stressed, citing the discipline and reliability that have earned Jamaican workers a strong reputation in the Canadian agricultural sector.
The Sacrifices That Built a Family’s Future
Despite the demanding schedule and time away from home, Mr. Smikle’s motivation never wavered.
“[I want] to give my family a better life. It’s easier to save the money and come home and do something one time. I can put in work here to survive, but it’s not easy to save here in Jamaica,” he said.
Those sacrifices have produced remarkable results:
- His wife completed college and became a teacher
- His eldest daughter attended Church Teachers’ College and continued her studies in the United States
- His second daughter earned a partial scholarship and is now a teacher in the United States
- His youngest daughter is pursuing a law degree at The University of the West Indies
- The family built a comfortable home in Jamaica, funded entirely through his programme earnings
The Wider Impact: How Farm Workers Are Building Jamaica
Mr. Smikle believes the programme’s impact extends well beyond individual families. Farm workers across the country send money home to support families, build homes, start businesses and improve their quality of life — creating a ripple effect of development in communities across Jamaica.
He has also witnessed the growing use of machinery on Canadian farms, which has reduced demand for workers in some areas, making skills, reliability and reputation even more important for Jamaican participants.
Staying Connected: From Weekly Calls to Daily Video Chats
In the early years, maintaining contact with family meant infrequent and expensive international phone calls.
“We [used to] only talk like once or twice a week. It was very challenging,” he said.
Today, technology allows him to stay in daily contact with his family — a change that has made the long seasons away from home significantly easier.
JN Money Brings Financial Services to Farm Workers in Simcoe
Recognising the vital economic role of Jamaican farm workers, JN Money Services (JNMS) Canada opened a branch in Simcoe, Ontario, in 2024. Regional Manager Claude Thompson explained the motivation behind the move.
“A big part of what we do is making sure workers feel supported while they are away from home and to make their experience easier and more meaningful while they are in Canada,” he said.
As part of its commitment to worker welfare, JN Money also launched a scholarship programme for children of farm workers. Six scholarships were awarded earlier in 2026.
Advice from a 27-Year Veteran
“Work, save your money, build yourself in Jamaica, and help your family, and make yourself comfortable.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Workers can remain in Canada for up to eight months between January 1 and December 15 in any given year.
Yes. JN Money has a branch in Simcoe, Ontario, that serves farm workers and runs pop-up sessions. Workers can open accounts and access remittance services on-site.
Yes. JN Money Services Canada launched a scholarship programme in 2024 and awarded six scholarships to children of farm workers in 2026. Contact the JN Bank Canada Representative Office for details.
