22111

Agricultural and fish products inspectors

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Natural & applied sciences

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Definition

Agricultural and fish products inspectors inspect agricultural and fish products for conformity to prescribed production, storage and transportation standards. They are employed by government departments and agencies and by private sector food processing companies. Supervisors of agricultural and fish products inspectors are also included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Fish and fish products inspectors
Inspect fish, fish products, fish handling and processing methods and prepare reports and ensure that regulations are followed.
Fruit and vegetables inspectors
Inspect fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables at inspection centres and prepare reports on crop production and market conditions.
Grain inspectors
Inspect and grade all classes of grain at terminal elevators, monitor the fumigation of infested grain, and examine storage, handling and transportation equipment to ensure that sanitary procedures are followed.
Meat inspectors
Monitor the operations and sanitary conditions of slaughtering and meat processing plants and inspect carcasses to ensure they are fit for human consumption.
Plant protection inspectors
Certify seed crops, oversee the quarantine, treatment or destruction of plants and plant products, and the fumigation of plants and plant product imports and exports.

Example job titles

•agricultural products inspection supervisor
•agricultural products inspector
•crop certification inspector
•dairy products inspector
•fish inspector
•fish products inspection supervisor
•fish products inspector
•fruit and vegetables inspector

Overview

Under the NOC 2021 classification, NOC 22111 represents Agricultural and fish products inspectors, which is classified as a TEER 2 occupation. These professionals play a vital role in food safety by inspecting agricultural and fish products, processing establishments, and transport systems to ensure strict compliance with Canadian health, safety, and quality standards. They are primarily employed by government regulatory bodies, such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), as well as private food processing, packaging, and distribution firms across Canada.

Key job duties for NOC 22111 include examining products to establish their grade, quality, and condition, monitoring sanitary conditions in processing plants, and enforcing regulatory acts and standards. To qualify for this occupation, candidates typically require a bachelor's degree in agriculture, biology, chemistry, food science, or a closely related field, or a college diploma in agricultural or food processing technology. Specialized industry certifications or government-issued credentials may also be required depending on the specific inspection domain.

As a TEER 2 occupation, individuals classified under NOC 22111 are eligible for major Canadian economic immigration pathways. This includes Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as targeted Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) looking to address regional labour shortages in the agricultural and agri-food sectors.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official and up-to-date program requirements, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated immigration professional.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.