Frederic Serre
The Advocate

Young farmers hoping to establish themselves in Quebec got some good news recently, as the province announced $5 million in support to help them start new farms or take over existing ones.

“Supporting Quebec’s young agricultural entrepreneurs is a priority for this government,” said Quebec Agriculture Minister André Lamontagne. “I’m delighted with this financial support and the changes … that will enable us to support a greater number of young farmers.”

The Quebec government said the eligibility criteria for its Young Farmers and Entrepreneurship initiative have been broadened to allow for a greater number of projects, between 200 and 250, and for the eligibility period to increase from five to 10 years.

The government is teaming up with the Fédération de la relève agricole du Québec to carry out the initiative, a move that Fédération president David Beauvais says will better serve the growing needs of Quebec’s young farmers.

According to Beauvais, the average age of all farm operators has risen from 52.9 in 2016 to 54 in 2021, and the proportion of young farmers under 40 has dropped from 18 per cent in 2016 to 16 per cent in 2021.

The project submission period began on Nov. 4, and applicants will have until Jan. 31 to submit a project, or until the budget envelope is exhausted.