Feds & Ontario providing funding to support youth interested in agriculture

The federal government is teaming up with Ontario’s government to support youth interested in working in the agriculture sector.

The two are investing more than $2.3 million over the next three years through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support 4-H Ontario’s programming.

The non-profit provides youth with opportunities to participate in local and provincial initiatives in their field of choice, giving them hands-on, learning opportunities.

“4-H Ontario is a valuable youth development, community-based program focusing on leadership and life skills that young people will benefit from their entire careers,” said Lisa Thompson, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This investment will ensure 4-H Ontario can continue building future community and business owners, foster greater appreciation and pride of our rural communities and agriculture and food sectors, while creating a learning environment outside of the classroom where 4-H members can learn by doing.”

4-H Ontario will use the funding to increase awareness of careers in agriculture, develop and distribute curriculum resources, for provincial youth leadership development efforts, engage diverse communities including underrepresented and Indigenous youth about its programs, and to improve the capacity to train and add volunteers.

Around 6,000 youths are expected to benefit from this funding.

“Young people are the future of the sector, and this investment will give them the possibility to play an active role in agriculture,” added Rechie Valdez, MP for Mississauga—Streetsville, speaking on behalf of Marie-Claude Bibeau, the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.