Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada recently unveiled the third cohort of members to the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council (CAYC).
This new assembly features nine newcomers alongside thirteen returning members, each bringing a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the council for their 18-month terms.
Members of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council
- Jacob Aarts, British Columbia, Dairy Farmer
- Sadie Anwender, Saskatchewan, Purebred Seedstock
- Menilek Beyene, Ontario, Plant Ecology
- Emily Bland, British Columba, Food Waste
- Emily Burkholder, British Columbia, Climate Impact on Agriculture
- Alanna Coneybeare , Ontario, Livestock and Cash Crop farming
- Jordan Dickson, Manitoba, Beef Production Specialist
- Gabriel Dusablon, Quebec, Grain Merchant
- Omar Elsharkawy, Ontario, Policy and Research Specialist
- Cyndelle Gagnon, Quebec, Agronomy Student
- Kaitlyn Haubrich, Saskatchewan, Veterinary Medicine Doctorate
- Elizabeth Jeffs, British Columbia, Integrated Pest Management Consultant
- Jessica Jones, British Columbia, Edible Garden Coach
- Thomas-Louis Lavallée, Quebec, Agricultural Account Manager
- Erin McCardle, Prince Edward Island, Island Farmers Labour and HR Management
- William McManiman, Quebec, Dairy Farmer and Agrologist
- Josiah Mullet Koop, Ontario, Sixth-generation Ontario Farmer
- Boma N-Chris, Manitoba, Agriculturalist, Sales and Marketing
- Hannah Kaya Sideris Hersh, Quebec, Co-chair of National Farmers Union
- David Simmonds, New Brunswick, Precision Agriculture
- Laura Smith, Nova Scotia, Business Owner
- Lauren Younker, Alberta, Third-generation Farmer
Established in 2020, the CAYC serves as a vital consultative entity to both Minister MacAulay and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Its role is to furnish the government with insights and advice drawn from the youthful vigor and innovative spirit of its members, who represent a broad spectrum of the agricultural and agri-food sectors.
The diversity within the council enhances its ability to offer a wide array of perspectives, which is crucial for developing comprehensive policies and programs that anticipate the needs of future generations.
The members, hailing from various provinces and embodying different facets of the agri-food industry—from producers to researchers and NGO affiliates—promise to bring a dynamic and transformative approach to the dialogue.
“There’s no doubt that young people are the future of the sector, but they’re also leading the way today," said The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in the media release. "The Canadian Agricultural Youth Council brings together folks from right across Canada to share their unique perspectives and this forum is vitally important to helping us develop policies and programming that will support the next generation of farmers. I would like to congratulate all of the new and returning members and thank past members for their hard work and dedication to Canadian agriculture.”
As these young leaders collaborate to shape the policies that will define the future of agriculture in Canada, their work will undoubtedly inspire and mobilize others in their communities and beyond to engage in this vital sector.