​​NL Young Farmers Leadership Summit to take place in St. John’s, NL.

 

​November 14, 2023  

 

NL Young Farmers, formerly Newfoundland and Labrador Young Farmers’ Forum, will host its 10th annual Leadership Summit November 17 and 18 at the Fairfield by Marriott in St. John’s. The annual Leadership Summit is an excellent opportunity for young farmers to meet and network with like-minded people, government representatives, guest presenters and other agricultural stakeholders. About 45 delegates, including young farmers, government representatives and other industry stakeholders are expected to attend.  

 

This year’s summit will include an afternoon of workshops with a mix of scientific and practical topics including Business Planning, How to Grow Your Business, Best Management Practices in a Changing Environment, how to come up with a cover crop plan, and more. Keynote speaker Rosalie Gillis-Madden from Farmers for Climate Solutions will speak about the organization’s On Farm Resilience Mentorship Program and their policy work in promoting practical farmer-led, climate-friendly agricultural practices. A panel of young farmers will engage their peers on the topic of emerging, innovative, low-cost technology that makes farming easier and more feasible.  

 

In collaboration with NL Living Lab, delegates will tour various living lab sites around the St. John’s area. NL Living Lab is a project led by the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture and supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Climate Solutions – Living Labs program. Part of AAFC’s nationwide network of living labs, the project brings together farmers, scientists and other sector partners to co-develop and test innovative solutions to sequester soil carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

 

“Young people are the future of the agriculture sector in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. I encourage folks from across the province to attend this important summit to learn about innovative and climate-friendly farming practices, network with your peers, and develop leadership skills to reach your full potential. Your participation is vitally important to supporting a strong and sustainable future for the industry.”

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- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Foods

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“Many know about our Province’s history in the fishery, but we’re also farmers. Bringing young people together, and getting them passionate about farming, is how we give them a voice in shaping our farming future.”

 

- The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Seniors and Member of Parliament for St. John's South-Mount Pearl

 

 

“The Provincial Government is pleased to continue its support for our agriculture sector by providing funding opportunities and access to farm land, and offering technical assistance and business advice. The NL Young Farmers leadership summit is a great way for young farmers and producers to build professional relationships, share their experiences, and learn skills that will serve them well as we all work together to increase food self-sufficiency and continue building this vital industry.”

 
- Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

 

 

NL Young Farmers represents farmers aged 18-40. The organization coordinates activities, public information seminars and workshops, and develops recruitment and promotional materials to provide enhanced services to members and raise awareness of the agriculture industry. The goal is to increase visibility of NL Young Farmers and enhance opportunities for young people in agriculture. NL Young Farmers is hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture and funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

 
Sustainable CAP represents an investment of $3.5-billion over five years (2023-2028) from federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the resilience, innovation and competitiveness of the agriculture and agri-food sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories. Sustainable CAP provides $229,000 annually to support Newfoundland and Labrador Young Farmers activities in the province.  

 

 

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