The province’s future providers of locally grown food, the kids of 4-H British Columbia, are getting ready for crops, livestock and learning in the year ahead.

4-H is getting some help from the B.C. government, as the 109th annual Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) opens Saturday, Aug. 17.

“I’m so pleased to share that the B.C. government is again providing an additional $68,000 in annual funding to 4-H for a total of $155,000,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. “This gives youth in the province an opportunity to learn through doing, giving young British Columbians hands-on experiences to teach them different aspects of farming. Our support is helping kids, from the youngest Cloverbud member to the eldest 4-H ambassador, with leadership and opportunities that will help them in agriculture and whichever direction they take in their lives.”

Popham will be joined by Aleda Welch, manager, 4-H BC, along with young club members and their families, at a 4-H event at the PNE Friday evening. The annual funding from the B.C. government will help ensure the province’s future agriculture leaders are being supported today.

“We are incredibly thankful for the strong partnership shared with the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture. By investing in 4-H BC, you are also investing in responsible, caring and contributing youth throughout B.C.,” Welch said. “Your generous support allows us to continue to deliver programs that excite youth about opportunities in agriculture and inspire personal growth and development leading to stronger communities. 4-H BC is committed to the long-term growth and development of 4-H programs recognizing the demand for skilled and innovative workers in B.C.”

The barns and Agrodome are the main PNE sites showcasing 4-H livestock and events that tie into the theme, BC Agriculture: We’ve Got Good Things Growing!

The PNE will host a variety of 4-H events Aug. 17-20. Visitors can learn more about B.C. agriculture from educational display boards created by 4-H members or watch as club members present their completed 4-H projects ranging from gardening to goats.

The annual funding supports 4-H programs to promote careers in agriculture, increase agriculture literacy and develop B.C.’s future farmers. The funding also addresses important emerging needs, such as:

• comprehensive farm safety programming for youth;
• support for new clubs and volunteers; and
• outreach to potential new members from under-represented groups, such as Indigenous and urban youth.

Ministry of Agriculture Youth Development staff deliver agriculture education and training, and guide 4-H club members in farming by providing expertise and hands-on experience in organizational management, agriculture and community leadership education. The ministry also works closely with registered volunteers who dedicate their time to mentor and inspire young British Columbians.

Quick Facts: 

• 4-H BC has over 2,200 members in 139 clubs throughout B.C.
• 4-H BC has over 600 volunteer leaders around the province who participate in hands-on education, leadership and career training opportunities.
• 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of 4-H in the province.
• 4-H club members range in age from six to 25 years.

Learn More:

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