Rural youth from across Canada are being invited to apply for a seat on the first-ever Canadian Agricultural Youth Council.
Canada’s agriculture minister, Marie-Claude Bibeau, issued the call for applicants on January 24.
Council members will meet twice a year to discuss issues that matter to them – “everything from sustainable agriculture, market diversification and innovation, to the digital shift, intergenerational transfers and mental health.”
“The council will identify new and emerging issues, enable on-going dialogue on challenges and opportunities, share information and best practices, and provide advice on the strengths and weaknesses of policies and programs affecting the agriculture and agri-food sector,” a description of the council says.
Members will be between the ages of 18 and 30, representative of Canada’s diversity, including Indigenous communities. “Credibility among the agriculture and food industry, youth organizations, Indigenous organizations/communities and/or academia is an asset,” the selection criteria note.
The council adds another option for youth looking to build on their experiences with organizations such as 4-H, BC Young Farmers, the Mainland Young Milk Producers and Young Agrarians.
The deadline for applications is February 14. For more information, visit [www.agr.gc.ca/youth].
Agri-Innovation projects announced