The Farmerettes

"We Lend a Hand"

As young men went off to fight in World War II, there was a need for farm labourers in Southern Ontario. The Ontario Provincial Government responded by creating The Ontario Farm Service Force in 1941 “to recruit workers from all levels of society.” In this war effort initiative, the group with the most participation was the Farmerettes.

The Farmerettes were young women and primarily students, 16 years of age and older. They worked on fruit, vegetable, and truck farms (where produce goes to local markets). Over the summer, the Young Women's Christian Association provided for their basic needs and supervised the work.

Looking back, Farmerettes remember the hard work they did to support the war effort and the great camaraderie they all shared. Many women have said these were “the best of summers.” The program was so popular that it continued for seven years after the war until 1952.