Brenda Stefanson, PAg
Regional Farm Business Management Specialist
Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Watrous
Research has shown that 1 in 8 Canadians holds a job in the agriculture industry. These jobs can range from a computer programmer building new technology to the producer using that technology on the farm. From 2011-2020 it is projected that 38% of the jobs in the Canadian Ag industry will be left unfilled. This provides significant opportunities for recent agriculture grads as they look for jobs in the Ag industry.
The Federal Government announced on April 18, 2016 a program that will help the agriculture industry to continue to grow. Two different programs are offering funding to anyone under the age of 30, who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and has graduated from university or college. Â
The Green Farms Stream applicants could receive up to a maximum of $10,000 to implement activities that are environmentally beneficial. Eligibility for the Green Farms Stream internships must be minimum four months in length with the program ending on March 31, 2017. Employees must receive agriculture related work experience in Canada that focuses or implements activities that involve or support beneficial management practice. Beneficial management practices are those that:
• Ensure the long term health and sustainability of the land-related resources that are used for agriculture production;
• Impact the economic and environmental viability of agriculture production in a positive way; and
• Minimize the impacts and risk on the environment.
The second fund, Green Internships Stream, is looking for individuals to find environmentally beneficial activities, services, or research within the agriculture sector. This fund is not restricted to the farm. Individuals who are granted the fund could receive up to a maximum of $16,000. This fund is focuses on employers who can offer employees a chance to gain experience in the agriculture sector and work on an environmentally beneficial project.
Applications will continue to be accepted until all the funds have been allocated. Funding is on a first come first serve basis so get you applications in early. Applications forms become available April 20, 2016 and application submission starts at 10 a.m. EDT on April 25, 2016. Applications submitted before April 25, 2016 will not be considered.
For more information on eligibility for the Green Farms Stream and the Green Internships Streams visit http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/programs-and-services/list-of-programs-and-services/agricultural-youth-green-jobs-initiative/?id=1459879253586
For more information contact your Farm Business Management Specialist or phone the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.
