Supporting youth in agriculture
Canada’s new government is investing in young Canadians and building the next generation of skilled workers in agriculture.
Today, Minister Heath MacDonald announced an investment of up to $27 million over two years for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) — including nearly $13.47 million for 2026–27.
This investment will help young Canadians gain meaningful work experience, develop skills, and build careers in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
What This Means
The YESP supports youth aged 15 to 30, including those facing barriers to employment, by:
Providing paid work experience in agriculture and agri-food
Supporting skills development and training opportunities
Offering non-repayable funding to employers to help cover wages and benefits
Beginning in 2026–27, the program will also introduce a more streamlined application process, improving access and prioritizing youth who face barriers to employment.
Applications for the YESP are open from March 5 to May 4, 2026.
Expanding Opportunity for Youth
The YESP is part of the broader Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), which helps ensure all young Canadians have access to meaningful employment opportunities.
Through targeted supports — including training, mentorship, coaching, and wraparound services — the program helps youth:
Build in-demand skills
Gain real-world experience
Access long-term career pathways
The program places a strong focus on supporting:
Indigenous youth
Youth with disabilities
Youth in rural and remote communities
The Big Picture
Canada’s agriculture sector is essential to our economy — and its future depends on the next generation of skilled workers.
By investing in youth today, we are strengthening our workforce, supporting rural communities, and ensuring the long-term resilience of Canada’s agri-food sector.
That’s how we Build Canada Strong.
