National Farmers Union opens applications to training, support program for underrepresented farmers

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Published: September 10, 2024

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Women, racialized, Indigenous and young farmers and farm workers, as well as those from other underrepresented groups, are invited to apply to a new training and support program led by the National Farmers Union (NFU).

“The NFU wants to see farmers thrive in Canada. Enhancing farmers’ opportunities to build skills for their long-term success benefits us all,” NFU president Jennifer Pfenning said in a news release in late August.

THE EXCHANGE is a national program that aims to “maximize the long-term success of equity-deserving farmers in Canadian agriculture, the NFU said. It will support two cohorts of 20 farmers and farm workers to access training, grants, mentorship and networking.

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The federal government pledged $287,487 over two years to fund the program.

“Agriculture is a vital part of our economy and we need folks from all walks of life to be part of it,” said federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay in the news release. “This program will help the participants develop and grow the skills they need to succeed as the next generation of producers.”

Applications close on September 27. Visit the NFU’s website for more information.

About the author

Geralyn Wichers

Geralyn Wichers

Digital editor, news and national affairs

Geralyn graduated from Red River College's Creative Communications program in 2019 and launched directly into agricultural journalism with the Manitoba Co-operator. Her enterprising, colourful reporting has earned awards such as the Dick Beamish award for current affairs feature writing and a Canadian Online Publishing Award, and in 2023 she represented Canada in the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists' Alltech Young Leaders Program. Geralyn is a co-host of the Armchair Anabaptist podcast, cat lover, and thrift store connoisseur.

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