Sustainable CAP invests in 4-H Ontario

4-H Ontario is getting $2.325 million in funding support over three years through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

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“This investment will ensure 4-H Ontario can continue building future community and business owners, foster greater appreciation and pride of our rural communicates and agriculture and food sectors,” said Lisa Thompson. “While creating a learning environment outside the classroom where 4-H members can learn by doing.”

Why it Matters: The funding will allow 4-H Ontario to increase youth engagement in learning about agriculture, agri-food industries, and careers in the sector.

Thompson, the Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, is a lifetime supporter of the program, first as a youth member and then as a volunteer and leader as an adult.

She said 4-H provides valuable youth development and community-based programming focusing on leadership and life skills, benefitting members throughout their lives.

The funding will support increased awareness of local agricultural and agri-food industry career options and increase underrepresented and Indigenous youth engagement in the programs while enhancing provincial youth leadership development efforts.

Additionally, 4-H will develop and distribute curriculum resources and improve their capacity to train and onboard organization volunteers.

“Young Ontario farmers greatly benefit from the leadership and training activities that 4-H offers,” said Rechie Valdez, Mississauga-Streetsville MP and Agriculture and Agri-Food standing committee member. “Young people are the future of the sector, and this investment will give them the possibility to play an active role in agriculture.”

The funding will run until 2026.