Program hopes to interest young people in careers in the sector.   Ottawa--Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau has announced up to $21.4 million will be available through the Youth Employment and Skills Program to create upwards of 2,000 jobs for Canadian youth in the agriculture sector. The program aims to support farmers and other employers who hire young people between the ages of 15 and 30 to give them experience in agriculture that could lead to a career in the sector, Bibeau said. Last year, the government put $9.2 million in the program and created nearly 1,000 jobs. The program offers employers who hire youth for agricultural jobs support for up to 50 per cent of wages to a maximum of $14,000 and, if needed, covers 100 per cent of costs for relocation, to a maximum of $5,000. “By doubling our youth jobs program, we are providing thousands of young people with rewarding experiences that could lead to a career in agriculture,” Bibeau said. “In a time of labor shortages, this enhancement will also allow many employers to fill vacant positions.” The program will open new horizons for young about agriculture and help fill jobs that might have gone to foreign workers, she said. Last year, farms of all sizes applied for support under the program. Justin Williams of Prince Edward County and Chairman of the Canadian Young Farmers Forum, said the program helped alleviate labour shortages last year “while also giving youths exposure to our industry when that exposure is becoming increasingly rare. We hope programs such as this can help foster the next generation of Canadian farmers and get the younger generations talking about Canadian agriculture as a career prospect.” Farmers, agribusinessess, industry associations, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and research facilities are eligible for funding through the program which runs to next March 31. Applications forms and additional information about the program are available at https://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agricultural-programs-and-services/youth-employment-and-skills-program. Francis Drouin, MP for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell, said, “Young people were among the hardest and fastest hit when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, experiencing more job losses than any other age demographic. Meanwhile, the agriculture sector has been facing increased difficulty accessing labour since the beginning of the pandemic.” “Now more than ever, young Canadians need support to launch their careers,” he said. Getting experience on a farm will help “youth discover the limitless potential of careers in agriculture, while also enhancing the sector, which is vitally important to rural communities across Canada.” Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.