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OPINION: Planning for the next generation of 4-H

Opinion
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Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely

Alberta’s government is committed to empowering the next generation, and its partnership with 4-H Alberta reflects that dedication. With the recent investment of $731,162.27 through Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) funding, Alberta is ensuring that more young people can gain lifelong skills while connecting urban and rural communities in meaningful ways. Over the next five years, this funding will support three impactful programs that underscore the importance of agriculture, mental health, and safety.
 
For more than a century, 4-H Alberta has been at the forefront of youth development, providing young Albertans with hands-on learning experiences. The skills they acquire, from teamwork to leadership to a deep respect for the agricultural roots of Alberta, are invaluable. This funding ensures that these learning opportunities not only continue but expand to reach even more youth across the province.
 
One of the most exciting aspects of this initiative is the focus on building connections between Alberta’s rural and urban youth. In today’s world, where many young people grow up in urban settings with limited exposure to agriculture, there is an increasing need to reconnect young Albertans with their province’s agricultural heritage. Through the Intro to 4-H Program, youth from cities and towns will have opportunities to learn about farming, ranching, and the hard work involved in bringing food from field to table. This program is designed to cultivate understanding, respect, and curiosity about agriculture by providing real-life, experience-based learning opportunities.
 
With the launch of the Agriculture Safety and Mental Health Workshop, the government is also investing in a critical, often-overlooked area: mental health and safety in agriculture. Farming and ranching can be isolating and demanding professions, with unique challenges that affect mental well-being. This program, designed for both rural and urban youth, emphasizes the importance of farm safety while providing mental health education through equine therapy; a form of therapy known for its effectiveness in reducing stress and anxiety.  Teaching youth about mental health in agriculture not only prepares them for challenges they may face in the field but also fosters empathy and understanding for those already working in the industry.
 
To further support mental health in agriculture, 4-H Alberta’s Spring Senior Symposium will focus on reducing stigma and promoting mental health awareness within farming communities. This program is especially critical as it addresses the barriers that prevent farmers from seeking help and aims to instill resilience and support networks for those entering the agricultural field. For Alberta’s youth, these lessons in mental health are just as crucial as the technical skills of agriculture, helping to create well-rounded individuals who are prepared for all aspects of rural life.
 
In addition to this new Sustainable CAP funding, Alberta’s government has shown its longstanding commitment to 4-H Alberta by providing an annual operating grant of $1 million for a decade, beginning in 2020. This commitment ensures stability for the organization and the thousands of youths it serves each year.
Programs like these don’t just teach agricultural skills they instill values and build a bridge between Alberta’s future and its proud heritage. Alberta’s government is proud to support 4-H Alberta, reinforcing its role as an essential platform for youth development, agricultural education, and mental health awareness. Through these initiatives, Alberta is ensuring that the next generation will not only sustain but also enhance the legacy of agriculture that defines our province.

- MLA Jackie Lovely can be contacted at her constituency office located at #104, 4870 51 Street, Camrose, AB, T4V 1S1, or by telephone at 780-672-0000.