The Canadian and Saskatchewan governments announced joint funding to three organizations that they say will help build resiliency and public trust in agriculture.
More than $4.1 million is allocated to Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan, Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan, and 4-H Saskatchewan over 5 years.
That means Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan is receiving $175-thousand per year; 4-H Saskatchewan $325-thousand per year; and Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan $325-thousand annually over 5 years.
“By helping consumers understand how farmers produce food, organizations like the 4-H, Food & Food Care and Agriculture in the Classroom strengthen the public’s trust in our food system,” said Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau in a news release. “They also connect future leaders to the agriculture and agri-food sector, which sparks young people’s interest in this essential area.”
Provincial Agriculture Minister David Marit says it’s important to support these organizations as they educate the public about how their food is produced, while developing the next generation of agriculture leaders.
“Whatever the case may be, it’s incredible to see this kind of energy in the ag sector here in the Province of Saskatchewan, with the government trying to help, support, and build on that, so that we can see agriculture is going to grow here in the future and that we have bright, young minds that really want to be engaged in it.” Marit said.
Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan connects consumers to food and farming through events, training and educational resources.
Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan promotes agricultural education, “building connections between young people and the agricultural industry, and inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders through hands-on activities, engaging programs, and inquiry-based educational resources.”
4-H Saskatchewan, one of Canada’s largest youth organizations, “aims to provide young people with opportunities to develop leadership, citizenship and life skills through agricultural and other related projects.” 4-H also “provides members and leaders with learning experiences tailored to individual needs and interests through the motto “Learn To Do By Doing.”
The funding comes from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), “a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors.”
