Youth influence grows in agriculture policy and dialogue
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has announced the latest members to join the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council (CAYC).
This update introduces nine fresh members alongside thirteen returning youths, marking a significant step towards involving young voices in agricultural decision-making.
Members of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council
- Jacob Aarts, British Columbia, Dairy Farmer
- Sadie Anwender, Saskatchewan, Purebred Seedstock
- Menilek Beyene, Ontario, Plant Ecology
- Emily Bland, British Columba, Food Waste
- Emily Burkholder, British Columbia, Climate Impact on Agriculture
- Alanna Coneybeare , Ontario, Livestock and Cash Crop farming
- Jordan Dickson, Manitoba, Beef Production Specialist
- Gabriel Dusablon, Quebec, Grain Merchant
- Omar Elsharkawy, Ontario, Policy and Research Specialist
- Cyndelle Gagnon, Quebec, Agronomy Student
- Kaitlyn Haubrich, Saskatchewan, Veterinary Medicine Doctorate
- Elizabeth Jeffs, British Columbia, Integrated Pest Management Consultant
- Jessica Jones, British Columbia, Edible Garden Coach
- Thomas-Louis Lavallée, Quebec, Agricultural Account Manager
- Erin McCardle, Prince Edward Island, Island Farmers Labour and HR Management
- William McManiman, Quebec, Dairy Farmer and Agrologist
- Josiah Mullet Koop, Ontario, Sixth-generation Ontario Farmer
- Boma N-Chris, Manitoba, Agriculturalist, Sales and Marketing
- Hannah Kaya Sideris Hersh, Quebec, Co-chair of National Farmers Union
- David Simmonds, New Brunswick, Precision Agriculture
- Laura Smith, Nova Scotia, Business Owner
- Lauren Younker, Alberta, Third-generation Farmer
The CAYC, first established in 2020, serves as a consultative body to the Minister and the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). It primarily focuses on providing a youthful perspective on issues concerning the agriculture and agri-food sectors.
The third cohort represents diverse subsectors across the agriculture and agri-food value chain, from dairy farming in British Columbia to plant ecology in Ontario.
“There’s no doubt that young people are the future of the sector, but they’re also leading the way today,” said The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in a media release.
“The Canadian Agricultural Youth Council brings together folks from right across Canada to share their unique perspectives and this forum is vitally important to helping us develop policies and programming that will support the next generation of farmers. I would like to congratulate all of the new and returning members and thank past members for their hard work and dedication to Canadian agriculture.”
By facilitating ongoing dialogue on food-related challenges, sharing best practices, and advising on relevant policies, the CAYC plays an instrumental role in the development of the agricultural sector.