New Future Farmer program aims to strengthen the next generation of Prince Edward Island producers

A revamped program is now available to help new Island farmers establish or continue profitable and sustainable farm businesses on Prince Edward Island (PEI). 

Through mentorship, project funding, and training, the Future Farmer Program 2.0 helps farmers set and prioritize sustainable business goals while strengthening the planning, management, and technical skills needed for success.  

The revamped program builds on the previous Future Farmer program by increasing investments for successful applicants, and now includes two subprograms to meet the varied needs of each new farmer: 

• Agri-Start subprogram: support for new farmers as they begin their agricultural careers
• Continuing to Grow subprogram: support for farmers who have begun their agricultural journey and have less than five years of reported farm income 

Successful applicants will be eligible for funding for 10 years after registration into the program and can access incentives to support projects that align with their business plans and meet Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) priorities. Along with access to funding provided through the Agri-Start and Continuing to Grow subprograms, participants will also be eligible for Bona Fide Farmer Status, which can provide additional supports and tax relief programs, and mentoring support from PEI Department of Agriculture staff. 

This program is part of a suite of Sustainable CAP initiatives available to PEI producers. Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. The agreement includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities, and $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

To learn more about the Future Farmer Program 2.0 eligibility and guidelines, visit: Future Farmer Program 2.0

To learn more about what else Sustainable CAP offers producers and agriculture operations on PEI, visit: Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership

Quotes 

“It is no secret that the average age of our Canadian farm owners is increasing. The Future Farmer Program 2.0 will provide vital funding, mentorship, and training for new and young producers who are starting out with new farms or taking over established farms. Investing in these new farmers today will keep the sector sustainable for years to come.”

— Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Young farmers are not only the future of agriculture on PEI, but they are also essential to the sustainability of our province. The launch of the Future Farmer Program 2.0 reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Island producers. The more we work together to reduce barriers and create clear pathways for success in our industry, the brighter our future will be.”

— Honourable Bloyce Thompson, Prince Edward Island Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture

Media contacts:
Kip Ready
Department of Agriculture
kjready@gov.pe.ca

Axandre Lemours 
Special Assistant – Communications Advisor 
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food 
axandre.lemours@agr.gc.ca  

Media Relations 
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada  
Ottawa, Ontario  
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@canada.ca 

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