Young Farmers Key to Growth of Canada's Agriculture Sector

PENTICTON, BC, Dec. 2, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada's hardworking farmers and food processors are the backbone of our economy, particularly in rural communities. Their work ensures families have safe, high-quality and delicious food on their tables. Our government has identified agriculture and agri-food as a key growth sector in British Columbia and across the country and we are committed to supporting our farmers and food processors with strategic investments that expand growth and create well-paying middle class jobs.

Member of Parliament for Kelowna — Lake Country, Stephen Fuhr congratulated Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers at their 2017 National Recognition event in Penticton, BC, on behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, Lawrence MacAulay.

MP Fuhr seized on the occasion to highlight the creation of 320 new jobs in the agriculture and agri-food sector through youth employment initiatives funded under Budget 2017. To date, over $3.05 million has been invested to help fund internships that provide youth with meaningful work experiences, elevating their chance at getting high-quality, well-paying jobs in the agriculture and agri-food sector.

Also highlighted was Minister MacAulay's recent announcement of a $1 billion investment in federal initiatives under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The Partnership will include support to help new and existing young farmers take a greater leadership role, build their business skills and share best practices to create a stronger, more dynamic agricultural sector.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to helping young farmers succeed. Investing in youth is one of the best investments we can make to build the long term prosperity in agricultural sector in Canada.  The Canadian Agricultural Partnership will harness the energy and innovation young farmers bring to their jobs every day to strengthen our communities and help grow the middle class."

- Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Young farmers in British Columbia and across the country are growing in numbers and becoming more and more innovative in their farming practices. Our government is proud to help them continue to succeed and be recognized for their strong commitment to agriculture."       

- Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna – Lake Country

Quick Facts

• The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal-provincial and territorial governments, which will strengthen the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector, ensuring continued innovation, growth and prosperity. This agreement will help the sector reach the Government's ambitious goal to grow Canada's agriculture and food exports to $75 billion by 2025. Federal program details and application forms will be available in early 2018.
• Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers Program celebrates and recognizes excellence by young farmers in Canada's agriculture sector. The program received federal funding under Growing Forward 2's AgriCompetitiveness Program.
• AAFC's youth employment initiatives include the Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative (a two-year, $5.2 million investment under Budget 2017), and Career Focus (an $864,000 annual investment). These initiatives will help fund internships for post-secondary graduates and/or high school students working in the agricultural industry.

Associated Links

• AAFC News Release - Canadian Agricultural Partnership: Setting the foundation for our farmers and food processors (November 24, 2017)
• Canadian Agricultural Partnership
• Agricultural Youth Green Jobs initiative (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Career Focus Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Halifax