The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing more than $2.3 million over three years through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to support 4-H Ontario programming. This funding will allow 4-H Ontario to continue to engage youth interested in a career in the agriculture and agri-food industries.
“Young Ontario farmers greatly benefit from the leadership and training activities that the 4-H offers thanks to funding under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Young people are the future of the sector and this investment will give them the possibility to play an active role in agriculture,” said Rechie Valdez, MP and member of the standing committee on agriculture and agri-food, on behalf of federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau.
The funding will continue the delivery of 4-H programming, create further learning opportunities for youth and seek to expand the program’s engagement with Indigenous and marginalized communities.
“4-H Ontario is a valuable youth development, community-based program focusing on leadership and life skills that young people will benefit from their entire careers,” said Lisa Thompson, Ontario minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs. “This investment will ensure 4-H Ontario can continue building future community and business owners, foster greater appreciation and pride of our rural communities and agriculture and food sectors, while creating a learning environment outside of the classroom where 4-H members can learn by doing.”
Under the funding agreement, investments will be made in a variety of 4-H programming areas. These will include:
- Support for local initiatives to increase awareness of careers in agriculture;
- Provincial youth leadership development efforts;
- Engaging diverse communities including underrepresented and Indigenous youth about 4-H Ontario programs;
- Improving the capacity to train and onboard volunteer workers for the organization;
- And developing and distributing curriculum resources.
Approximately 6,000 currently enrolled youth will benefit from the funding.
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