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By Dori Modney

Federal government invests millions to attract youth to Agriculture

Jun 3, 2019 | 2:44 PM

OTTAWA, ON – A new federal investment of up to $3.75 million is expected to help bring young people into the agriculture industry.

Marie-Claude Bibeau, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced Monday, June 3, that the Youth Employment and Skills Program will provide funding to employers across the agriculture sector to hire Canadian youth, ages 15 to 30.

The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Program will aim to create opportunities for Canadian youth, particularly youth, facing barriers to entering or staying in the workforce to explore employment in the agriculture and agri-food sector and to better prepare themselves for the labour market.

The new program will provide 50 per cent of funds, up to $14,000, towards costs associated with hiring youth. For not-for-profit organizations, and applicants who hire Indigenous youth or youth facing barriers, the program will provide 80 per cent of total eligible costs, up to $14,000.

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Bibeau noted the impetus behind the new program.

“The agriculture industry is strong and growing, creating one in eight jobs, which makes it the nation’s single largest employer. This program will allow more young people in Canada to explore the limitless potential this industry has to offer while helping agricultural producers and processors to meet their labour needs.”

The need for this type of program is underscored by the fact that Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industry generates over $114 billion of gross domestic product (GDP) and a record $66 billion in exports.

The Youth Employment Strategy (YES) involves ten federal departments and agencies. Through the program, it’s anticipated over 200 positions across Canada will be created within the agriculture sector. Applications are being accepted continuously until funding is fully committed. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2020.