Canada's Young Farmers / Relève agricole du Canada (CYF/RAC) officially launched during Farm Management Canada's Annual General Meeting in Ottawa on July 9, 2026. This new national initiative aims to connect, support, and amplify the voices of young farmers and young agricultural leaders across the country.
Initiative Born from Extensive Consultation
Developed through extensive consultation and collaboration with young farmers, young farmer organizations, young farmer program leaders, and national agricultural partners across Canada, the initiative responds to a clear need for stronger national collaboration and connection within the young farmer community.
Participants identified several priorities, including greater access to leadership development, farm business management resources, mentorship, networking, and opportunities to bring young farmer perspectives into national conversations and engagement opportunities to help shape the future of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector.
Focus on Farmers Under 40
The initiative will focus on farmers under 40 and will include leadership and professional development, mentorship, networking, and learning events. Resources and tools will be tailored to topics identified as priorities by young farmers, including farm financial literacy, risk management and business planning, farm transition and succession planning, farm leadership and governance, communications and advocacy skills, and industry engagement and representation.
“Farmers are the backbone of Canada’s agricultural industry, and young farmers are the future – they are the entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers that will propel our industry forward,” said Heather Watson, Executive Director of Farm Management Canada. “We’ve listened to young farmers across the country and are excited to work together to provide a national gathering space and dedicated programming and development opportunities.”
National Platform Respecting Regional Autonomy
The launch follows months of discussion identifying a clear need for a national platform, while respecting the autonomy and important work already happening in regions and production sectors across the country. As a national, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing farm business management excellence, Farm Management Canada was identified by young farmer organizations and sector partners as a natural fit to help convene and support the initiative through its national network, experience delivering learning and leadership programs, and commitment to collaboration.
Canada's Young Farmers will make it easier for young farmers to connect with programs, events, resources, and leadership pathways across the country, strengthening the next generation of agricultural leaders.
