New funding aimed at getting more young Canadians employed in the agriculture industry is good news for P.E.I. farmers, says the P.E.I. Agriculture Sector Council.

The federal government announced it is spending up to $27 million over two years to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s youth employment and skills program — or YESP.

There are also incentives to hire Indigenous youth, people with disabilities or anyone living in rural areas.

“It makes it a lot easier for farms to be able to hire students,” said Laurie Loane, the council’s executive director.

“We run a very tight market to begin with, so when we’re able to access extra dollars, it means that we’re able to hire extra students.”

Loane said the program benefits young people looking to join the agriculture industry, as well as those who are already a part of it since it gives students work opportunities while also providing financial support to farms hiring them.

When it comes to youth employment in agriculture, farmers are keen to get more young people involved, Loane said, noting that the average age of farmers in Canada is 56, and 57 on P.E.I. 

“We need youth engaged and working in agriculture, coming to work and hopefully maybe take on our farm someday,” she said.

Heath MacDonald, the federal minister of agriculture and agri-food, said the funding will help strengthen the workforce, support rural communities and help build the future of Canadian agriculture. 

“Young Canadians are the future of our agriculture and agri-food sector,” he said in a written statement.

MacDonald said participants will gain hands-on experience and build valuable skills.

Applications for the program are open until May 4, 2026.