Government invests in attracting youth to “green” agriculture jobs

In an effort to attract youth to green jobs within the agriculture and agri-food sector, Canada’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna have announced a one-year investment of up to $1.9 million for the Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative.

According to a government press release, this initiative follows through on a Government of Canada commitment made in Budget 2016, aimed at providing employment opportunities for post-secondary graduates to support the agriculture sector in implementing environmentally beneficial activities.

“Creating green jobs for youth in key growth sectors, such as agriculture, allows youth to gain the necessary skills and work experience they need to succeed in today’s job market. Hiring youth to implement environmentally beneficial activities on the farm and in the agriculture industry benefits the environment and will also help us grow the economy,” says MacAulay.

Under the initiative, support is available to fund internships both on the farm, and with organizations engaged in the agriculture and agri-food sector to help attract youth to green jobs.