The province of B.C. has signed a new ten-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) with 4-H BC to help engage young British Columbians with careers in Agriculture. Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick and Fraser Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart presented the provincial organization with a cheque for $87,000, at the Nicola Ranch near Merritt.
What is the 4-H BC Program?
The program which was started in 1914 by the Agriculture Ministry is now a non-profit-public partnership involving the 4-H provincial council and the Youth Development program of the Ministry of Agriculture. In addition to the direct funds, the province has 3.5 full time staff that is involved in training, program delivery and project resource development. “The future of the agriculture sector is with these kids participating in 4-H. It’s very rewarding as the Minister of Agriculture to meet young British Columbians who are keen to learn and show interest in farming. It’s important to the province to support programs like 4-H,” said Letnick.
The MOU will support the B.C. 4-H Council in its 100 years plus of operation by helping its members learn about farming and food production. 4-H is a well-known program for teaching young British Columbians life and job skills that will guide them to a successful career in agriculture and beyond. The 4-H clubs in B.C. focus on transferring agriculture knowledge and skills from one generation to another through 4-H leaders and volunteers. In addition, urban youth are able to connect to agriculture through a variety of projects, such as Beef, Dairy, poultry, rabbit, dog, gardening, crafts, sewing, and many more.
How Does 4-H Support Young Farmers?
“I think 4-H is an amazing program for youth! It teaches skills that are transferable to everyday life such as public speaking, record keeping, and financial management, in addition to the responsibility of raising and caring for their projects. The provincial opportunities allow members to widen their views of agriculture by exposing them to other types. Overall, 4-H is a wonderful program, and I am pleased to see so many youth continue to develop their skills year after year, and I am particularly pleased to see such interest locally and have so many members in our new club! I wish to thank the Government of B.C. for their support of both youth and agriculture,” said Allison Guichon, A leader, Nicola Valley 4-H Club.
4-H stands for head, heart, hand and health. 4-H members range in age from six to 25 years old and are part of clubs in more than 50 B.C. communities. Membership grew by 5 percent this year to nearly 2400 youth province wide, supported by over 600 volunteer leaders. The program encourages young people to become productive, self-assured adults and promotes knowledge, leadership, citizenship and personal development.
“4-H British Columbia is very pleased to have strong support from the province as today’s learners become tomorrow’s leaders in agriculture and industry. This agreement provides the stability to continue to involve more British Columbians in our world class youth development program,” said 4-H British Columbia Manager Kevin Rothwell.
For MORE INFO on 4-H BC
