Ottawa-Ensuring Canada’s food security means thinking about the farmers of the future and not just today’s producers, says Chris Franc, CEO of 4-H Canada.

Food security is a complex subject covering access, affordability, resilience, production capacity and trust in the food system, Franc told the Senate agriculture committee which is studying the topic. “It is an interconnected network that is only as strong as its weakest link.”

“From our perspective, there is one additional link that connects all these priorities: people. More specifically, young people. When talking about the future of food security in Canada, we must also talk about who will grow the food, build the systems, design innovative solutions and maintain public trust. That future workforce and future leadership are in our youth today.”

Through participation in 4H, young people are engaged in agriculture and food systems and they develop practical skills, build confidence and leadership and strengthen their connection to community and country.

“But, more importantly, they become active contributors to, rather than passive recipients of, food security.”

For the committee’s food security study, Franc offered three recommendations. First was embedding community engagement and food and agriculture education within Canada’s food security strategy.

Second was investing in youth pathways into agriculture and agri-food careers as Canada’s long-term food security depends on a skilled and innovative workforce, which is in crisis right now.

Third was to recognize youth organizations as partners in building public trust. 4-H Canada and similar groups play a unique role as trusted, non-partisan, community-based platforms for learning and dialogue.

Dealing with food security worries requires skills, people and leadership. “That is why it is critical to invest in youth training and mentorship, exposure to diverse careers across the agri-food value chain and opportunities to lead and innovate.”

The 4H motto of Learn to Do by Doing can be connected by embedding community values that these people will carry with them for a lifetime. “In fact, 4-H youth are almost four times more likely to feel strong in civic engagement and volunteerism.”

Franc said many of the most effective food security solutions are community led such as 4H’s AgriFood Challenge conducted in partnership with Syngenta to support sustainable agriculture and food security.

“Several winning clubs this year grew and harvested fruits and vegetables in community gardens and then donated them to local food banks.”

The 4H clubs also educated their community on how to preserve food at home, engaged other community organizations and worked on ways to improve output and be more efficient.

“We would encourage the federal government to ensure that youth are not only included but empowered as leaders in these initiatives.”

Canada’s long-term food security depends on a skilled and innovative workforce, which is in crisis right now, she said. The answer lies with youth training and mentorship, exposure to diverse careers across the agri-food value chain and opportunities to lead and innovate.

“Improving food security is not a short-term strategy. It is critical to plant the seeds now to reap the rewards for generations to come.”

This news report prepared for National Newswatch