Youth Initiative

Canadian Agriculture Youth Initiative

Growing the next generation of leaders in Canadian agriculture

The Canadian Agriculture Youth Initiative is a school-year program that gives high school students a hands-on look at modern Canadian agriculture. Through learning sessions, field experiences, a student summit and expert webinars, students explore the science behind sustainable food production and the many careers in agriculture and agri-food.

Many young people, especially those who don’t live on a farm, have little exposure to today’s farming practices and are often influenced by misinformation. This program connects them with the people, science and innovation behind the food they eat, while building leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Become a sponsor
Students on a field trip learning about natural ecosystems on farms

What students learn

  • Soil Science & Soil Health
  • 4R Nutrient Stewardship
  • Crop Selection & Planting Techniques
  • Crop Nutrition & Crop Protection
  • Sustainable Agricultural Practices
  • Innovation & Technology in Agriculture
  • Careers in Canadian Agriculture
  • Global Food Security

The capstone: a Sustainable Farm Plan

Working in teams, students take what they’ve learned over the year and develop a 5–10 minute presentation of a Sustainable Farm Plan. Each plan addresses a real-world agricultural challenge while balancing environmental stewardship, economic viability and social responsibility.


Our pilot year

The program’s pilot ran during the 2025–2026 school year with students from Lacombe Composite High School in Lacombe, Alberta, Fort Richmond Collegiate in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and a partner school in Benguerir, Morocco.

Students kicked off the year at a three-day student summit, immersed in Canadian agriculture. Teams made up of students from all three schools then connected virtually to work on their projects. Throughout the year, students also attended webinars with:

  • Dr. Mario Tenuta, University of Manitoba – The Future of Farming, The Greener Revolution
  • Karli Reimer, Ducks Unlimited Canada – How Cattle Help Protect the World’s Most Threatened Ecosystem
  • Cormac Foster, Vermillion Growers – Sustainable Agriculture: The Future of Farming
500+ students reached
40 students completed the full program
3-day student summit
3 expert webinars

Pilot year highlights

Top student presentation

Students listening to a presentation at the student summit
Students doing a hands-on soil texture activity
Dr. Mario Tenuta speaking to students about nitrogen management

Sponsor the program

Nutrients for Life welcomes sponsors to help bring the Canadian Agriculture Youth Initiative to more students across Canada. Your investment helps cultivate the future workforce that Canadian agriculture depends on.

Your support helps us

  • Expand the program to more schools across Canada
  • Develop engaging classroom and digital learning resources
  • Connect students with agricultural professionals and mentors
  • Increase awareness of careers in agriculture and agri-food
  • Build science-based understanding of modern Canadian farming
  • Inspire the next generation of innovators, producers, researchers and industry leaders

Sponsorship levels

Level Investment Impact and recognition
Friend of the Program $5,000 Supports online learning resources and classroom programming. Recognition through logo placement on program materials.
Field Experience Sponsor $10,000 Supports hands-on field experiences focused on soil health, 4R nutrient stewardship and sustainable agriculture. Includes digital and print recognition, plus the opportunity for your own field station.
Regional Youth Summit Sponsor $15,000 Brings students together for an immersive three-day summit featuring keynote speakers, hands-on learning and team-building. Includes verbal recognition at the summit, social media recognition and prominent logo placement.
National Core Program Sponsor $25,000 Provides foundational support for Nutrients for Life Canada’s programs nationwide, including the Canadian Agriculture Youth Initiative. Includes premier branding, national recognition, an annual impact report and the opportunity to join the program steering committee.

Interested in sponsoring? Contact us at info@nutrientsforlife.ca to discuss partnership opportunities.

Contact us about sponsoring