Key Takeaways
- Farm Management Canada's Annual General Meeting marked the official launch of Canada's Young Farmers, a new national initiative to connect, support and amplify young farmers and young agricultural leaders across the country.
- The initiative will focus on farmers under 40, offering leadership development, mentorship, networking, and resources on topics including farm financial literacy, transition and succession planning, and industry advocacy.
- Canada's Young Farmers will be led by a Canadian Young Farmers Council with representation from provincial and territorial young farmer groups, supported by an Industry Advisory Committee.
- The Canadian Federation of Agriculture and Farm Credit Canada have joined as national partners, and the initiative is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
- Farm Management Canada will serve as the national coordinating organization and secretariat for Canada's Young Farmers.
Farm Management Canada's Annual General Meeting marked the official launch of Canada's Young Farmers, a new national initiative dedicated to connecting, supporting and amplifying the voices of young farmers and young agricultural leaders across the country.
Canada's Young Farmers Launches at Farm Management Canada's AGM
The initiative was developed through consultation with young farmers, young farmer organizations, program leaders and national agricultural partners across the country, responding to what organizers described as a clear need for stronger national collaboration across the young farmer community. Farm Management Canada, a national, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing farm business management, was identified by young farmer organizations and sector partners as a natural fit to convene the initiative through its national network and experience delivering learning and leadership programs.
Initiative Targets Priorities Identified by Young Farmers
Participants identified priorities including greater access to leadership development, business management resources, mentorship, networking, and opportunities to bring young farmer perspectives into national conversations. The initiative will focus on farmers under 40, offering events and resources on topics such as farm financial literacy, risk management and business planning, farm transition and succession planning, leadership and governance, and communications and advocacy skills.
Leaders Say New Platform Fills a National Gap
“Farmers are the backbone of Canada's agricultural industry, and young farmers are the future – they are the entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers that will propel our industry forward,” said Heather Watson, Executive Director of Farm Management Canada. “We've listened to young farmers across the country and are excited to work together to provide a national gathering space and dedicated programming and development opportunities.”
“As we cultivate the next generation of farm leaders, I'm proud and excited to be involved in Canada's Young Farmers and to help bring young farmer perspectives to a national stage,” said Russell Reitsema, a third-generation farmer and Director with BC Young Farmers. “Young farmers are a vital part of our industry's future, and our budding producers are ready to step into bigger roles with the right platform and programming in place.”
Canada's Young Farmers Council to Guide the Initiative
The initiative will be led by a Canadian Young Farmers Council, with representation from provincial and territorial young farmer groups, supported by an Industry Advisory Committee of representatives from agricultural institutions, businesses and organizations. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture and Farm Credit Canada have joined as national partners. Canada's Young Farmers is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and by a growing network of industry partners. Farm Management Canada will serve as national coordinating organization and secretariat, and the initiative said it is welcoming additional industry support.
