Federal Youth Ag Job Program Accepting Applications

Agricultural employers can apply until March 21 to have part of salaries for youth agriculture workers covered, a Feb. 28 news release from the federal government says.

Through the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) employers who hire youth facing specific employment barriers will be eligible for 80 per cent of the cost of salaries and benefits, up to $14,000, covered. The release notes YESP aims to support agri-food employers and provide young Canadians between the ages of 15 and 30 with job experience in agriculture that could lead to a career working in the sector.

“Canadian youth are the future of our sector. We need to provide them with tools and opportunities to gain experience to help them reach their full potential,” Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal minister of agriculture and agri-food, says in the release.

The federal government is providing up to $3.7 million to enhance the program.

Eligible applicants include producers, agri-businesses, industry associations, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and research facilities. Applicants can also be eligible for an additional $5,000 in funding to address the barriers, including relocation. The release notes depending on demand, the program will support 50 per cent of salaries and benefits for youth who do not face these barriers, up to $14,000.