British Columbia celebrates 4-H Month this November, and the contributions the youth development program makes to agriculture and the province's workforce.

Although 4-H is well known for teaching young British Columbians about agricultural activities, it also prepares them for futures as adult workers in any professional community - rural or urban. The goal of the 4-H program, which is now more than 95 years old, is youth development, with a focus on knowledge, leadership, citizenship and personal development. The personal leadership skills learned in B.C. 4-H can be applied to any job in any sector, from agri-foods and tourism, to education and health.

An educated and skilled workforce is an underlying foundation of the BC Jobs Plan announced by Premier Christy Clark in September. More than 2,200 young British Columbians between six and 21 years old participate in B.C. 4-H. As they mature and leave the program, 4-H participants will continue to help the province's labour supply meet the demand for skilled and innovative workers in B.C.

B.C. 4-H is also a vital link between youth and agriculture that contributes to the future of farming in B.C. Earlier this year the Province provided B.C. 4H with an $85,000 provincial grant. The funding is being used to manage the 4-H program and encourage young British Columbians to consider working in the agriculture sector.

Why It Matters:

• The entire agri-food supply chain generated $40.2 billion in combined gross revenues and employed 298,700 British Columbians in 2010.
• Nearly 34,000 people are employed in B.C.'s primary agriculture and aquaculture activities.
• Demand for B.C. food is increasing in expanding markets like China, where increased demand for B.C. wines has led to a 300 per cent rise in exports since 2008.
• The B.C. Jobs Plan is strengthening the economy to protect jobs for families in every region of B.C.
• Many 4-H kids are part of a larger network of farm families. Nine in ten B.C. farms are family-owned and operated.
  

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. 4-H program has been developing young British Columbians for more than 95 years.
• 4-H kids learn respect for animals and people, and about the work that goes into producing food.
• 4-H stands for "head, heart, hands, and health".
• Participants can choose between 24 diverse programs, including agroforestry, aquaculture, beef, environment and photography.
  

Learn More at:
B.C.'s youth and community development programs:
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/indcomp/youth_dev_pgm.htm
B.C. 4-H: http://www.bc4h.bc.ca
The BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca

Media Contact:

Niki Pandachuck
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Agriculture
250 387-1693