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ABOUT US

Young Agrarians is Canada’s largest educational farmer-to-farmer resource network for new and young farmers.

Since 2012, Young Agrarians has offered programs that support new and young farmers with limited access to resources as they make the journey into ecological, organic, and regenerative agriculture. We are working to grow a new generation of ecological farmers and increase local food resilience across Canada.

We recognize the Indigenous lands and territories that we work on and alongside, and are committed to providing programs that are inclusive and available to farmers and friends of diverse backgrounds. Head to our Take Root page to learn more about our commitment to advancing Indigenous Food Sovereignty and supporting Indigenous farmers, food producers, and communities across Turtle Island.

VISION

  • To grow the next generation of ecological and viable farmers.
  • To heal and regenerate our connections to the land and each other.
  • To transition to a future ecological food system that in the words of Slow Food International is: “good, clean and fair.”

MISSION

A Canadian Charity, the mission of Young Agrarians (YA) is to educate the public by providing courses, seminars, workshops, and counseling about agriculture, farming, food processing, entrepreneurship, community economic development and environmental sustainability. YA works to support the next generation of farmers and food lovers from diverse walks of life, through free or by-contribution educational programs.

What We Offer

Young Agrarians programs work to grow new and young farmers by connecting them to networks on the ground. We offer on-farm apprenticeships, land matching services, business mentorships, e-learning courses, educational events, and so much more!

Explore All
Apprenticeship Program
Alberta Land Matching Program
B.C. Land Matching Program
Business Mentorship Network
Events
E-Learning
Policy
Take Root
Online Resources

OUR NETWORK

Our network is made up of a diverse array of food growers and lovers including farmers, fishers, holistic managers, market gardeners, ranchers, seed savers, food activists, bee keepers, community gardeners, and food and farm organizations.

Who is a Young Agrarian?

A person interested in rural or urban farming, who values food, farmers, ecology and community. While our core demographic is 20-40, we welcome agrarians of all ages.

OUR STORY

In 2012, we were inspired by what new farmers groups like The Greenhorns and the National Young Farmers Coalition were doing in the U.S. We wanted to start growing something that provided on-the-ground programs to support new and young farmers to grow food and build a career in agriculture. Since 2012, we have grown into an organization with seven program areas and employees from British Columbia to Quebec. You can meet our incredible team here. 

OUR IMPACT

Since 2012, Young Agrarians has worked with approximately 14,650 farmers representing 10,000 farms, to access education, land, mentorship, training, business support, and community networks. We have collaborated with over 750 food and farm organizations, and reached farmers on approximately 800,000 acres of land, connected with over 3,200 landholders, matched 13,162 acres of land, coordinated 691 events with 26,600 attendees, and posted 1,120 jobs and apprenticeships online. We are incredibly thankful to the farmers and friends who have provided 47,700 volunteer hours. We work year-round to grow a new generation of ecological farmers and increase local food resilience across Canada. You can learn more about our impact here.

“To me, Young Agrarians means community and has provided me with a farming community – people to know and meet and share desires and aspirations with. People to give advice, support, and a listening ear about my journey. I was on my own starting this process and it has been so helpful to hear about the experiences of other farmers. The YA Apprenticeship Program opened my mind and provided different perspectives and inspiration. Those stories still keep me going, now more than a year later.

 

As someone who immigrated to Canada as an adult, I want to help other immigrants access locally-grown quality food. I plan to provide accessible and affordable food to the community so we can be less dependent on imports. Farming is a labor of love. It has to be for people.”

Boma Okorosaye-Orubite

Apprentice at Fostering Change Farm in Manitoba
Apprenticeship Program Alumnus

“Young Agrarians met such a huge need for me, providing access to so many different programs, services, and resources. They are a holistic organization addressing many of the challenges facing new farmers today.

 

I don’t know where I would have gotten without the specific resources and skills provided by YA. YA enabled me to fast track – I’m up and running with my business after only a couple of seasons of working on farms – and pretty successfully. It gave me such a solid foundation, especially the business planning support portion. I really appreciated the ability to talk to a relatable person who understood the challenges and barriers I was facing. It has been such a supportive environment. YA understands the importance of cultivating community – it gives me hope.”

Natasha Anderson

Minwaadizi Farm, Courtenay, BC
B.C. Land Matching Program and Business Bootcamp Participant

“Young Agrarians exists to ensure new and young farmers have access to land and are able to thrive, which is such a valuable resource at a time when Canada needs to focus on local agriculture in the face of climate change. Having someone to support and connect you to larger networks of producers, knowledge sharers and other resources is key to creating vibrant agricultural communities.

 

I signed up for the B.C. Land Matching Program because the price of farmland was prohibitively expensive, so I needed to start off by sharing land. I also wanted to ensure that all of my efforts in soil rebuilding were protected. Creating a strong lease agreement with educational support from the Land Matcher helped put my worries to rest.

 

Having a farm that is directly impacted by the devastating effects of climate change is going to be a huge challenge for all farmers. Young Agrarians is supporting ecological farms that not only reduce emissions, but will also help communities be more resilient to the challenges of tomorrow.”

Thanushi Egalle

Wildbee Florals: Comox, BC
B.C. Land Matching Program Participant

WHY WE NEED NEW FARMERS

Canada’s farming population has reached a historic low. As of 2021, farmers made up only 1.6% of Canada’s population (or 590,710 farmers), compared to 1931, when 1 in 3 Canadians lived and worked on farms. As well, Canadian farmers are aging, with an average age of 56, while farmers aged 35-54 make up just 30.9% of farmers. This has left Canada in a farm succession crisis, with not enough new people able to transition existing farms or start new ones.

Why are so few farmers entering the industry?

Farmers face significant barriers to starting farm enterprises, including access to land, capital, knowledge, and rural community development and infrastructure. For many farmers, land access is the #1 challenge, with farmland real estate values at an all-time high. According to Farm Credit Canada’s Farmland Values Report, farmland prices increased 9.3% in 2025 alone, as part of a three-decade-long upward trend. 

Our food systems are vulnerable. There is incredible urgency to growing the next generation of farmers, and using ecological farming practices to grow food for our communities that regenerate ecosystems, sequesters carbon, and is climate resilient. 

Help us grow the next generation of farmers in Canada!

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