Saskatchewan young farmers seeking adventure in their agriculture career can do just that through the International Rural Exchange Program. The program is currently taking applications for young adults wanting to farm in places such as New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, and more.
“It’s a great opportunity and with good experience you can make a little money, fund your travels while also seeing the world and learning new things,” explained Amanda Hayward, who’s part of the program.
International Rural Exchange is a non-profit organization operating since 1985 which helps young Saskatchewanians with visa, employment, and accommodations while working abroad. There are certain eligibility requirements that participants must meet such as having a valid Canadian passport, no criminal record, no traveling with dependents, and is open to those between the ages of 18 and 35.
There are a few options that participants can choose from when it comes to signing up for the program. Not just agriculture is represented, but so it horticulture, hospitality, and wine production.
“In Europe there are a lot of dairy opportunities but in Australia it could be dairy, beef, cropping and machinery, agri-home (helping out in the house as well as the farm), and same with new Zealand,” Hayward said. “In Ireland there could be horses, horticulture is very popular as well; it just depends on the country and partnership opportunities.
International Rural Exchange also works the other way, too, by allowing Canadians farm families to become host families for trainees from abroad. Right now, the program has a vibrant membership representing beef, grain, and mixed farming.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the application process or to become a host family. You can hear our full interview with Amanda Hayward below.
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