Looking at ways to help young farmers

By Gary Sliworsky
OMAFRA Rep.

The Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario (JFAO) recently received funding to lead and execute an investigation into the entrant barriers young farmers in Ontario might face when trying to enter the agricultural industry.
The purpose of this project is to identify what resources/assistance are needed to help these young agriculturalists overcome the hurdles and inhibitors they face while trying to pursue farm ownership.
Two focuses of this project include: 1) what hurdles and/or inhibitors young farmers have regarding entry; 2) Identifying the hurdles overcome by those that have been farming for 5 years or less and how they achieved success when faced with these challenges.
In order to identify these hurdles and inhibitors, the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario is looking for agriculturalists that have been farming for five years or less, as well as those looking to enter the industry. These people would take part in in-person question and answer sessions that will take place across the province.
JFAO provides opportunities for young people age 15 – 29 of all backgrounds, but especially those in rural Ontario. Members take on the challenge of exploring their individual talents and potential to develop personally while being involved in bettering their communities, networking, and having fun. JFAO’s mission is “To Build Future Rural Leaders Through Self-Help and Community Betterment.” JFAO would also like to extend appreciation to our Diamond Sponsors: The Canadian International Farm Show, the Dairy Farmers of Ontario, North Waterloo Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, TSC Stores, and Scotiabank.
If you are interested in being a participant or would like more information, please contact Jessica Burgess, JFAO Executive Director of Agricultural Programs at agprograms@jfao.on.ca.
Investment in this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Ontario, this program is delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council. JFAO would also like to recognize FarmStart as a major supporter of this initiative.
Dates to Remember
Sept. 29 – Cattle Sale, Stratton Sales Barn. Contact Philip Krahn 852-4384.