Besides COVID-19 and a severe drought this year, farmers were also dealing with labour shortages according to the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick (AANB).
After an initial provincial ban during the pandemic, temporary foreign workers were eventually allowed in after an outcry from farmers.
AANB president Lisa Ashworth says for some it was already too late.
Producers had to restart the application process with the consulate.
Ashworth says many skilled workers from countries like Mexico were no longer available because they sought work on other farms in Canada.
Fortunately, she notes many New Brunswickers have come forward this summer to help out on farms.
Ashworth is hopeful many will return to working on farms next year too.
