BC Outstanding Young Farmer Program
c/o
4048 Tolmie Road
Abbotsford, B. C. V3G 2V3
E-mail contacts:
nominations
sponsorship
information
About the OYF
Founded in 1979 by the Canadian Junior Chamber of Commerce, this program recognizes the outstanding achievements of young farmers across the Canada. The BC Region chooses our representative during the annual competition held in Abbotsford with the announcement at the BC Agriculture Council Ag Gala. Our representative then goes onto the National Event to compete against the other 6 Regional Representatives where two are chosen as Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers.
Nominees must be farm operators between the ages of 18-39 and derive two thirds of their income from their farming operation. Judging criteria includes: progress in agricultural career, extent of soil, water, and energy conservation, stock production history, financial and management practices, and contribution to the well-being of the community, province, and nation.
The
Outstanding Young Farmer Program is a unique recognition program through which
the urban population and consumer recognizes the contributions, achievements,
and successes of young farmers.
Why
an Outstanding Young Farmer Program?
With
agriculture as basic to our Canadian lifestyle as living itself, it is in the
self-interest of all Canadians to understand and encourage farmers. The
foundation of all industry growth is through youth, thus we believe it is
imperative to the preservation of our lifestyle that we encourage the efforts of
young people in agriculture.
The
program brings into the spotlight young men and women who have achieved success
and leadership in the agriculture industry. The farmers selected as nominees act
as positive role models for our youth, showing farming as an exciting,
innovative, and respected profession.
It
is further the aim of this program to develop among Canadians a growing
awareness of the importance and impact of farming on the Canadian economy.
Finally,
this is the perfect opportunity for Canadians to say, “job well done”.
So
get involved and thank a young farming couple by giving them the recognition
they deserve.
How
the Program Works
The
Outstanding Young Farmer Program begins each year with the nomination of farmers.
Individuals, organizations and industry are encouraged to nominate
successful farmers who meet the program criteria.
Once
you have notified us of your nomination, we will send
your nominee a preliminary application. It is now the farmer’s
responsibility to complete this form and return it to us by the deadline to be
forwarded to our judges.
Our
judges will review all of the preliminary applications and choose the finalists. The
finalists will be asked to fill out a more detailed
application and return it by the deadline to be judged.
The
judges are selected from diverse areas of agriculture: producer, supplier, financier
and innovator to ensure balance and impartiality during the judging process.
The
regional finalists will be invited to Abbotsford and be honoured at the annual
BC Agriculture Council Gala Dinner. At the dinner,
one couple will be chosen to represent the BC Region at the annual
National Event.
