Growing the Next Generation of Ecological Farmers in Alberta

Young Agrarians Alberta is a program of Organic Alberta and was launched in 2015 through funding from Peavey Mart’s Agricultural Community Grant. Young Agrarians is a successful initiative that began in British Columbia in 2012. Since then the YA network has grown across Canada from coast to coast.

Through farm tours, potlucks, mixers and workshops we have been building a network of food growers and lovers, rural and urban farmers, ranchers, market gardeners, seed savers, food activists, bee keepers, community gardeners, and food and farmer organizations.

By building farmer-to-farmer relationships, we are helping new and young farmers navigate the opportunities and challenges of starting to farm such as land access, capital access and training.

On the Young Agrarians website you’ll find posts on opportunities for new farmers and stories from an inspiring network of new and young farmers, food growers, homesteaders and farm lovers. Our social media channels are buzzing! Join the conversation @youngagrarians. Hashtag #youngagrarians and grow the network

Dana Penrice is the Alberta coordinator for this program. You can reach her at alberta@youngagrarians.org.

Host an Event in Your Area

We work with new farmers across Alberta looking to gain skills and knowledge who are feeling overwhelmed by helping them to build a community of fellow new farmers, mentors and supporters.

Interested in hosting something in near you?

YA Alberta Apprenticeship Program

We are now offering and advanced, hands-on apprenticeship program in regenerative agriculture with our network of exceptional mentor farms. The goal of this program is to build the next generation of farmers who are committed to ecological food production and land stewardship, to train farmers and ranchers to be mentors, and to build a regional learning community.

Our carefully selected family of farm mentors have diverse expertise and skill sets –  their farm philosophy is guided by a holistic framework that recognizes the connectedness of the land and people. Although farm activities will be different on each farm, the core activities will involve care of soil, pasture and livestock, farm direct marketing, and using sustainable practices for cereal and grain production.

The apprenticeship is a full immersion program that puts you into the heart of running a farm business, day in and day out. Participants with a serious interest, curiosity and commitment to full-time farming are invited to apply.

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Young Agrarians U-Map

Find resources, business tools and land opportunities for new farmers on our interactive U-Map.

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Young Agrarians Alberta is supported through funding from Peavey Mart’s Agricultural Community Grant. The Apprenticeship Program is funded through the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency.