OTTAWA — The federal agriculture minister was busy investing in agriculture’s young people last week.
“I see nothing but opportunity in agriculture,” said Lawrence Mac-Aulay and with that, he boosted the budget for the Global 4-H meeting being held in Ottawa next July by $780,000. As well, he doubled the amount that young farmers can receive in start-up loans from Farm Credit Canada.
He told a packed room of Canada’s major agricultural companies and farmer organization leaders that the country and the industry needs to focus on its agricultural future.
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The $780,000 investment for the Global 4-H Network Summit is part of Canada’s 150th anniversary events.
“It’s a great way to celebrate (it),” he said during the Grow Canada Conference in Ottawa.
The summit is expected to bring 600 delegates from around the world to share 4-H experiences, develop new skills and learn about agriculture.
The event involves four days of workshops and speakers and has a two-day trade show dealing with education and career opportunities in agriculture.
The first summit took place in Seoul, South Korea, in 2014, when representatives from about 60 of the 70 countries that have 4-H programs attended.
Next year’s event in Ottawa will coincide with Canada’s 150th confederation celebrations.
MacAulay also announced an increase in the federally supported lending program for young farmers. The government plans to double the FCC limit to $1 million from $500,000, based on a 25 percent down payment.
“Access to capital is a significant challenge to young farmers entering the industry and this will help address that issue,” MacAulay said.
michael.raine@producer.com
