Young Farmer Groups in Canadian Agriculture

Canadian Young Farmers Forum

The Canadian Young Farmers’ Forum (CYFF) was established in 1997 as a national, not-for-profit organization focused on professional development and leadership opportunities for young farmers in Canada, working alongside a network of provincial/territorial young farmer associations.

Although funding and staff losses have paused operations, the Board remains committed to exploring future pathways.

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer Program

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program is designed to recognize young farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession. Eligible nominees must be farm operators between the ages of 18 and 39 who derive a minimum of two-thirds of their income from their farm operations. Each year a individual, couple or managing partner/shareholder of a farm group is selected from each of the program’s seven Regional Recognition Events to represent their respective region at the National Recognition Event.

Alberta

Alberta Young Farmers and Ranchers (AYFR)

Offers networking, leadership development, and resources for young farmers and ranchers. They host events and collaborate with other agricultural organizations.

Young Agrarians

Young Agrarians (YA) is a farmer-to-farmer education and support network started in British Columbia in 2012, with subsequent expansion into Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. YA focuses on helping new and young ecological, organic and regenerative farmers get started and stay viable by providing training, mentorship, land-matching, learning resources and advocacy.

British Columbia

BC Young Farmers (BCYF)

Provides networking opportunities, workshops, and events for young farmers. They focus on professional development, advocating for young farmers, and sharing best practices.

Young Agrarians

Young Agrarians (YA) is a farmer-to-farmer education and support network started in British Columbia in 2012, with subsequent expansion into Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. YA focuses on helping new and young ecological, organic and regenerative farmers get started and stay viable by providing training, mentorship, land-matching, learning resources and advocacy.

Manitoba

Manitoba Young Farmers (MYF)

Provides educational and networking opportunities, including the annual Young Farmers Conference. They support succession planning and professional development for new farmers.

Young Agrarians

Young Agrarians (YA) is a farmer-to-farmer education and support network started in British Columbia in 2012, with subsequent expansion into Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. YA focuses on helping new and young ecological, organic and regenerative farmers get started and stay viable by providing training, mentorship, land-matching, learning resources and advocacy.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick Young Farmers’ Forum (NBYFF)

Provides a platform for young farmers to network, learn, and influence agricultural policy. They support young entrepreneurs with resources and training.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador Young Farmers

Focuses on providing resources, training, and networking for young farmers in the province to help them thrive in agriculture.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Young Farmers (NSYF)

Supports young farmers through mentorship, advocacy, and events. They aim to help young farmers overcome industry challenges and succeed in agriculture.

Ontario

Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario (JFAO)

Focuses on leadership training, community involvement, and personal development. They have local clubs and organize activities like international exchanges and conferences.

Young Agrarians

Young Agrarians (YA) is a farmer-to-farmer education and support network started in British Columbia in 2012, with subsequent expansion into Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. YA focuses on helping new and young ecological, organic and regenerative farmers get started and stay viable by providing training, mentorship, land-matching, learning resources and advocacy.

Prince Edward Island

PEI Young Farmers Association

Promotes the interests of young farmers through educational and networking opportunities. They focus on building a strong agricultural community on the island.

Quebec

Fédération de la relève agricole du Québec (FRAQ)

Represents and supports young farmers in Quebec with mentorship, advocacy, and networking opportunities. They also provide resources for succession planning.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Young Ag-Entrepreneurs (SYA)

Aims to connect and inspire young agricultural entrepreneurs through events, conferences, and advocacy efforts to promote the future of farming in the province.

Young Agrarians

Young Agrarians (YA) is a farmer-to-farmer education and support network started in British Columbia in 2012, with subsequent expansion into Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. YA focuses on helping new and young ecological, organic and regenerative farmers get started and stay viable by providing training, mentorship, land-matching, learning resources and advocacy.

Yukon

Yukon Young Farmers

Encourages and empowers young farmers to create networks that foster sharing, education and help amongst farm families.