A three-year, two-phase, $1.7 million Ontario initiative is set to promote careers in agriculture through agricultural societies.
The Promoting Agri-Food Careers initiative was announced by Huron Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson over the weekend.
Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), the program will be available to 213 agricultural societies, represented by the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies, to “increase awareness and promote jobs in the agri-food industry and attract the next generation of agri-food leaders.”
“I am pleased to see this support for Ontario agricultural societies so they can join focused efforts to increase awareness about the amazing career paths our agriculture and food sectors provide,” says Thompson, Ontario’s minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).
“Promoting the diversity and scope of careers in the agri-food sector is critical to developing a workforce that is adaptable to facilitate growth and advancement of Ontario’s agri-food industry. By partnering with agricultural societies, we will further support the goal outlined in our Grow Ontario Strategy to increase total agri-food sector employment by 10 per cent by 2032.”
Eligible agricultural societies may apply for funding through the annual return and grant application process beginning in November.
