National Future Farmers Network Forum (AAFC)

A national forum this fall for young farmers will draw attention -- and potential solutions -- to the many unique challenges young producers face, say youth representatives.

“It is great news,” says Frédéric Marcoux, president of the Quebec Young Farmers' Federation. “It’s an idea we’ve been pushing for some time.”

The National Future Farmers Network forum will be held Nov. 22. The location Ottawa, Ontario.

Open to young and beginning producers, their provincial organizations, as well industry leaders and federal and provincial agricultural officials, the forum will feature discussions on a wide range of issues facing young farmers.

Topics expected to be discussed include specific challenges like access to capital, access to farm assets and high debt levels.

The forum, as well as a new section of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada website devoted to young farmers, is a positive sign for Marcoux.

"We need to be heard,” he says, calling the forum a welcome opportunity for producers 18-40 to voice their concerns.

Notably, Marcoux says representatives of the approximately 8,000 young farmers in Quebec -- roughly one-third of the national total -- will push for the creation of federal secretariat for young farmers within AAFC. They will also call for a national census on young farmers, like the one that was carried out in Quebec in 2006.

According to Marcoux, the results of that census revealed some interesting characteristics about young farmers.

For example, 40 per cent of young farmers were dairy farmers, while only 27 per cent of all producers produce milk.

“That means that in 20 years, there will be a much higher number of milk producers,” Marcoux says.

Knowing that, he adds, will help government better plan agricultural policies and tools.

“It can help to prevent future problems,” Marcoux adds. “And getting people to talk about issues facing young farmers right now -- like the penalties involved in the transfer of farms between generations -- is a big step forward.”

The new AAFC young farmer section is at www.agr.gc.ca/youngfarmers.