The government has created 392 jobs since introducing the Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative
By Kaitlynn Anderson
Staff Reporter
Farms.com
More young Canadians may have the chance to become involved in agriculture thanks to an initiative by the federal government.
On Tuesday, the government began accepting applications for this year’s Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative, according to an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) release.
The program helps farmers and agri-food organizations obtain funding for youth internships that benefit the industry environmentally.
Since its beginning in April 2016, the initiative has created 392 jobs across Canada.
“The expanded Initiative has provided youth with meaningful work experiences in the agriculture and agri-food sector, while providing benefits to the environment. A win-win for all,” Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said in the release.
Producers and organizations can apply for support through one of the initiative’s two streams:
Green Farms Stream: This funding is available to producers on a first-come, first-served basis. Farmers can receive up to $10,000 per intern. Each position may last for up to 12 months and must be finished by March 31, 2019, according to AAFC. This stream “allows (farmers) to hire youth under the age of thirty to get real experience working at the farm, while helping complete a project that benefits the environment,” Patrick Girard, senior media relations officer with AAFC told Farms.com today.
Green Internships Stream: Organizations wishing to create internships that allow “post-secondary graduates to undertake environmentally beneficial activities, services or research in the agricultural sector,” may apply for support through this stream, AAFC said. These internships can help graduates gain work experience to further their career, Girard said. The government will provide funding on a 50:50 cost-share basis, allowing applicants to receive up to $16,000 per intern. Some non-profit groups may be eligible for support covering up to 80 per cent of the internship’s cost, the website stated.
“The Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative provides Canadian youth and post-secondary graduates with valuable work experience in the agricultural industry while helping complete projects that align with the sustainability, climate change and environmental stewardship activities necessary in modern agriculture,” Girard said.
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