4-H youth across Canada are proving they have what it takes to tackle some of the biggest issues facing our planet. Through the AgriFood Challenge, a national initiative delivered by 4-H Canada in partnership with Syngenta Canada, 4-H members developed actionable solutions to support sustainable agriculture and food security in each of their communities.
From building bee hotels to growing and donating fresh produce to food banks and community organizations, 4-H members turned ideas into action. Youth also taught others how to grow, cook, preserve, and waste less food. Through creative soil health experiments, food rescue advocacy, and community education, these projects show how young people are connecting agriculture, sustainability, and community care in practical, meaningful ways.
“This is a testament to the skills and talents of 4-H'ers. When given the chance to be innovative, they can solve difficult problems” said Christina Franc, CEO of 4-H Canada. “The projects submitted to the competition show how youth leadership, community service, and agricultural knowledge can come together to make a real impact.”
"These young people are showing us what's possible when we invest in youth-led innovation," said Christina Stroud, Head of Corporate Affairs, Syngenta Canada. "Their hands-on approach to engaging in food security and sustainability reflects the kind of creative thinking that makes our future feel promising. Syngenta is committed to supporting the next generation of problem-solvers who will shape the future of Canadian agriculture."
The AgriFood Challenge invited 4-H members of all ages to participate individually, in small groups, or as a full club. Youth developed initiatives that were meaningful to their communities by combining knowledge, hard work, and service.
Thirteen cash prizes of $500 each were awarded to support the winning clubs’ continued community impact. Winners were selected through a national review process that evaluated community impact, member involvement, creativity, reflections on learning, and supporting photos submitted in the final challenge reports.
The AgriFood Challenge is one of the ways 4-H Canada and Syngenta Canada are working together to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders while strengthening communities across the country, This marks the second year of the Challenge, which has now awarded $15,000 in total prizes to youth-led projects creating positive change in communities from coast to coast.
Here are this year’s AgriFood Challenge Winners:
Newfoundland & Labrador
· I. Sullivan — Bee Hotel
· Challenging Pioneers — Helping Harvest
Ontario
· Lombardy Spice of Life 4-H Club — Ginger Spice Share
· Sault Ste. Marie 4-H Club — Common Ground at Emmanuel Community Garden
· Waterloo-Wellington Dining on a Dime 4-H Club — Reducing Food Waste
· Hanover 4-H Sheep Club — Soil Your Undies!
· Waterloo Region 4-H — Measuring Rescued Food by Energy Instead of Weight
Manitoba
· The Pas Helping Hands — From Club to Community to Kitchen to Table
· Balmoral 4-H Club — Meet the Pollinators
Nova Scotia
· Hardwood Lands 4-H Club — Bee Hotels
· Shumil — Christmas Cheer For All
British Columbia
· Pitt River Beef, Lamb and Swine — The Power of Pollinators
Prince Edward Island
· Kensington 4-H Club — Potato Gleaning with Meaning
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