The Saskatchewan 4-H Council will benefit from a new three-year agreement totalling $1.05 million under Growing Forward 2. This support means the council will receive $350,000 per year, an increase of $50,000 annually over the previous agreement, to support leadership development initiatives.
鈥淥ur government is proud to support 4-H as they continue to inspire youth to achieve their potential and to become tomorrow鈥檚 community and business leaders,鈥� said Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.聽 鈥淲ith their new ideas, fresh perspectives and optimism, youth leaders and young farmers keep Canada competitive by making agriculture an economic engine of the country, now and in the years to come.鈥�
鈥淭he Saskatchewan 4-H Council plays a key role in engaging youth in the agriculture industry,鈥� Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said. 鈥淭hese funds help ensure youth have an opportunity to expand their knowledge, foster leadership skills and build a connection to the community.鈥�
As one of the largest and longest running youth organizations, the Saskatchewan 4-H Council has more than 200 local clubs and 800 volunteer leaders. The formal agreement, which concludes on March 31, 2018, will go toward various programs and services that support its motto of 鈥淟earn to do by doing.鈥�
鈥淎s 4-H Saskatchewan鈥檚 100th anniversary draws closer, we are not only reflecting on the history of our organization but our future too,鈥� 4-H Saskatchewan Board of Directors President Joanne Hamilton said.聽 鈥淕overnment support allows the Saskatchewan 4-H Council to continue to build a legacy of community service and youth development through our dedicated members and volunteers.鈥�
The Ministry of Agriculture has been a partner of the Saskatchewan 4-H Council for more than 20 years. The program that grew from livestock clubs founded as early as 1917, offers opportunities to youth ages six to 25 to enhance life skills and their connection to the community.
This investment is funded through Growing Forward 2, a cost-shared partnership between federal, provincial and territorial governments designed to support an innovative, competitive and profitable Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.
