The Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship Program welcomed the newest group of eight young agriculture leaders today. This program provides young people with the skills and experiences necessary to take on leadership roles within the industry. The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan committed $100,000 in funding through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support this intake of mentees.

"Canada’s young people are key to the future success of our agricultural sector. The Government is working hard to ensure our youth are able to play an active role in building a stronger and more prosperous sector. The Next Gen program creates leadership development opportunities to give the future agriculture leaders the skills and experience they need to contribute and make a difference in our industry. ”

-        The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food 

"Canadian Western Agribition’s Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship program provides young industry leaders with valuable skills that will help them contribute to our industry and share the story of how our producers create safe, high-quality food. I want to congratulate CWA on matching their third intake of mentees with mentors and thank them for their efforts to engage young people.”

-        David Marit, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister

“It’s been a pleasure watching the Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship program grow and CWA is proud to be part of the success of our industry’s future. Already, graduates from the program are filling leadership roles in agriculture all over the province.”

-        Chris Lees, President, Canadian Western Agribition (CWA)

• This project is supported through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector, including up to $2 billion for programs cost-shared by the federal and provincial/territorial governments that are designed and delivered by the provinces and territories. This includes a $388-million investment in strategic initiatives for Saskatchewan agriculture.

Associated links

• Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture)
• CWA Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship Program

Jean-Sébastien Comeau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
jean-sebastien.comeau@canada.ca
343-549-2326

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Charlotte McGraw
Saskatchewan Agriculture
Charlotte.McGraw@gov.sk.ca
306-787-4031