The kids of 4-H British Columbia will put on aprons and get into the kitchen this summer to participate in a new challenge to get creative with B.C. ingredients.

“The province’s agriculture industry produces so many fantastic, great tasting local ingredients that the options are endless for 4-H to choose from,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. “Our government is committed to investing in the next generations of B.C. farmers, and I can’t wait to see what the participants cook up!”

Popham announced $50,000 for the Field to Fork Challenge while visiting 200 youth, parents and volunteers at the 4-H To the Extreme event in Abbotsford.

“The Field to Fork Challenge is a new competition designed as a unique learning opportunity for 4-H members to express their passion and further their knowledge of B.C. agriculture. I am very excited to see what these youth will create,” said Aleda Welch, manager, 4-H BC. “4-H BC is grateful to the BC Investment Agriculture Foundation and the Ministry of Agriculture for their commitment and support. Together we work to advance positive youth development in B.C. by providing the skills and tools necessary for youth to become responsible, caring and contributing youth leaders in their communities.”

Beginning June 1, 2020, 4-H members will create and submit videos of themselves preparing a recipe highlighting a B.C. ingredient, such as produce, meat, dairy, grain or honey. The video will include information about how the ingredient was farmed, raised or processed and how it can be used in culinary creations.

Winners from two categories, junior and senior, will be awarded cash prizes. Winners from the senior category will also go to Vancouver to attend the Field to Fork Challenge Weekend, along with some special guest participants from the Agriculture in the Classroom Take a Bite of BC program. The trip includes four days of touring farms, meetings chefs, participating in a cooking challenge and spending a day at the Every Chef Needs a Farmer, Every Farmer Needs a Chef 2020 event, giving them an opportunity to interact with leading chefs and farmers from around the province.

Ministry of Agriculture youth development staff 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 4-H volunteers who dedicate their time to mentor and inspire young British Columbians.

Quick Facts:

• The 4-H To the Extreme event is a regional one-day event in the Fraser Valley.
• The first half of the day has the young participants attending four one-hour workshops on 35 different agriculture, youth development and leadership topics.
• In the afternoon, they will get hands-on learning on topics such as internet safety, outdoor survival and hiking safety.

Learn More:

4-H To the Extreme event: https://www.4hbc.ca/programs/view/842-4-h-to-the-extreme-2020

4-H for All! video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV584A-qr0w

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

Every Chef Needs a Farmer, Every Farmer Needs a Chef: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/every-chef-needs-a-farmer

Buy BC website: https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/