News Business & Policy Future planning
Canadian Agricultural Youth Council holds inaugural meeting

On September 3, Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of agriculture and agri-food, participated in the inaugural meeting of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council, where she invited the 25 members selected from over 800 applicants from across the country to share their perspectives on the future of the sector.

Earlier this year, Bibeau announced the creation of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council to help bolster Canada’s agenda for agriculture and agri-food and continue to build diversity across the agricultural sector.

“Young Canadians in the agriculture and agri-food sector are engaged and passionate,” Bibeau said. “The Youth Council is a significant opportunity for them to be heard and to influence the future of the sector. As the first woman federal Minister of Agriculture, I am increasing the opportunities to give a voice to young people and women, whose contributions are essential to our economic growth and to the vitality of our regions.”

Discussions at the inaugural meeting focused on various issues, including the future of the sector, sustainable agriculture, rural vitality, skills and labour, and mental health. Over the coming months, the Council will also meet with policy leaders, as well as senior departmental officials.

Members will have the opportunity to offer suggestions on government priorities, as well as to identify problems and propose solutions on a wide range of important issues, all while developing leadership skills and building professional relationships. They will help advise Bibeau and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) on agriculture-related policies and programs that are important to them.