The Westerner Exposition Association and Olds Agricultural Society have each received a $143,000 boost from the province, and a nudge toward promoting opportunities for youth in agriculture.
The two regional agricultural societies — plus five others in Grande Prairie, Camrose, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge — are sharing nearly $1 million in funding. Each is required to commit at least 10 per cent of the amount they receive to agricultural youth leadership or initiatives like scholarships, training or youth development activities.
“Whatever they think the need is in their local area is what we want to encourage them to do,” said Jo-Ann Hall, who is with the rural extension and industry development division of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.
The province is also providing $2,500 to each of Alberta’s 284 local agricultural societies that are in good standing.
That money is to be used for activity-based agricultural youth leadership development activities or farm safety programming.
Additional funds will also be given to the local societies to help strengthen their operations for 2011-12.
“Currently, the average age of Alberta’s producers is 51,” said Alberta Agriculture Minister Evan Berger.
“We need to change that. This additional funding of $2 million will help support local programs that encourage our youth to become involved in our agriculture industry.”
The government of Alberta also provides annual operational funding to agricultural societies in the province.