Alberta agricultural societies will receive nearly $2 million to help encourage youth in agriculture.
Regional agricultural societies in Grande Prairie, Camrose, Lloyd-minster, Red Deer, Olds, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge will each receive $142,850 to support local programs that encourage youth to become involved in the agricultural sector.
Ten percent of the money will be used directly for agricultural youth leadership development or initiatives such as scholarships, training and youth development activities.
Alberta’s 284 local ag societies will receive $2,500 each to be used for leadership development activities.
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Last year, each ag society received a one-time grant of $2,500 for farm safety events in their communities. Projects ranged from advertising campaigns, incorporating farm safety into 4-H programs and trade show booths.
Alberta agriculture minister Evan Berger said with the average age of farmers in Alberta around 51, it’s key to encourage more youth to become involved in the sector.
The government hasn’t picked a target age, but Berger said he would like to see the average age of farmers in Alberta drop at least 10 years.
“The early 40s would be fantastic,” said Berger.
