Farmers, agriculture students and academics from across the country will get an opportunity to discuss the key challenges facing young farmers and the future of agriculture through roundtable discussions with Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture) Jean-Pierre Blackburn over the next few weeks.
“I believe Canada’s young and future farmers have a unique perspective on the issues facing the agriculture industry,” said Minister Blackburn. “These dialogues will be valuable in helping to bring their voices to the forefront and ensure their ideas are put into action.”
The roundtables will focus on identifying key issues for young people who want to farm and on charting solutions that will help new and young farmers start their business, capture more opportunities to grow and diversify their businesses.
“We want to be sure that the programs we deliver hit the target for Canada’s young farmers,” said Minister Blackburn. “These roundtables will allow us to exchange with the experts themselves and ensure their ideas are given due importance in the elaboration of future policies.”
This week and next, Minister Blackburn is holding roundtable meetings with farmers, agriculture students and academics in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Saskatchewan and British Columbia as part of an ongoing commitment to get input directly from farmers when developing agricultural policies.
