Saskatchewan’s young farmers are getting more support from the provincial and federal governments.
Provincial agriculture minister Bob Bjornerud announced Jan. 27 that the governments were making it more affordable for young producers to receive consulting and training.
Farmers and ranchers under the age of 40 are now eligible to receive up to 90 percent of the costs for business consulting services and farm-related education and training programs through the Farmer Business Development Initiative. The previous limit was 75 percent.
The maximum benefit has been increased to $10,000 from $4,000 per applicant. The money will be provided through the joint federal/provincial Growing Forward program.
In addition, the province is providing $50,000 to the Saskatchewan Young Ag-Entrepreneurs to help build a website for young farmers.
The two new initiatives are the province’s initial response to the 12 recommendations provided in a report authored by the Saskatchewan Agriculture Youth Advisory Committee.
Saskatchewan Young Ag-Entrepreneurs chair Rodney Voldeng said networking, training and promoting agriculture are priorities for the organization.
