$1.9 Million Made Available for Hiring Youth for "Green" Ag Jobs

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Farms and ag businesses could be eligible for federal funding if they hire young people to do work that benefits the environment.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna visited AAFC’s Central Experiment Farm in Ottawa on Monday to announce up to $1.9 million in funding over the next year for the Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative.

“Creating green jobs for youth in key growth sectors, such as agriculture, allows youth to gain the necessary skills and work experience they need to succeed in today’s job market. Hiring youth to implement environmentally beneficial activities on the farm and in the agriculture industry benefits the environment and will also help us grow the economy,” said MacAulay.

Farms are eligible to receive up to $10,000 in matching funds to hire a post-secondary graduate for at least four months to carry out activities or projects that benefit the environment. Ag employers not directly involved in farming can receive up to $16,000 per employee to undertake environmental activities, services or research.

The AAFC website says the employee must be involved in “an environmentally beneficial management activity or supporting the implementation of a Beneficial Management Practice that will help improve the intern’s employability in the agricultural field.” According to an AAFC spokesperson, on-farm jobs could include building livestock fencing to protect water bodies, and planting trees and forage to reduce soil erosion. The off-farm stream could include “watershed groups working on water drainage projects” or “organizations working on water reduction projects.”

Application forms will be available on April 20, with the application period beginning on April 25. Applications will be accepted until all funds have been allocated and approved on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can more info on qualifying and applying here.

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