There will soon be more opportunities for B.C. youth interested in agriculture, with a funding increase to 4-H British Columbia aimed at increasing the participation of urban and Indigenous youth.

Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture, made the announcement while visiting the local 4-H club in Cranbrook with 4-H B.C. president Heather Serafini and 4-H youth.

“4-H B.C. teaches the values of head, heart, hands and health and encourages its members to become involved in their local community,” said Popham. “I am proud to be part of a government that is investing in our province’s young people. This increase in funding will help even more B.C. kids learn about our province’s agriculture industry, while learning how to care for their animals, develop leadership skills and make lifelong friends.”  

The ministry will provide $150,000 in funding for the 2018-19 fiscal year — an increase of $63,000 over previous years.

B.C.’s 4-H clubs are supported by youth development staff from the Ministry of Agriculture. They hold workshops on rural youth leadership, provide educational material to help youth complete hands-on agriculture projects and provide information on the variety of career opportunities that are available in B.C.’s agriculture sector.

The ministry’s youth development staff also work closely with dedicated, registered 4-H volunteers. Together, they ensure the next generation of B.C.’s farmers and ranchers, from the six-year-old Cloverbud member to the 21-year-old 4-H ambassador, are learning leadership skills that will last a lifetime.

“We would like to thank the Ministry of Agriculture for its generous contribution to the 4-H program,” said Serafini. “The ministry’s commitment to 4-H B.C. and our programs enables us to build stronger and more knowledgeable youth in communities throughout B.C. and to reach youth in all areas of our diverse province.”

In addition to the funding increase for 4-H B.C., the Province’s Grow BC is centred on policies that support farmers and help B.C. producers expand local food production. It includes programs and supports that help new entrants and young people get into farming.

Quick Facts:

• For more than 100 years, 4-H British Columbia has been an organization dedicated to young people.
• The 4-H program prepares girls and boys for their future as adult citizens.
• The goal of the 4-H clubs throughout B.C. is youth development through knowledge, leadership, citizenship and personal development.
• 4-H British Columbia has almost 2,300 members in 125 clubs throughout the province.

Learn More:

4-H British Columbia: http://www.bc4h.bc.ca/home