Five young Atlantic Canadian farmers will be recognized for their exceptional agricultural achievements at the Outstanding Young Farmers Program regional ceremonies on February 21. The event will take place in conjunction with the International Potato Technology Expo at the Civic Centre in Charlottetown.
Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers program is an ongoing national program which was founded by the Canadian Junior Chamber/Jaycees in 1979, and is sponsored by John Deere Limited, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and AgrEvo.
To be eligible, farmers must be between the ages of 18 and 39, derive at least two-thirds of their annual income from their farming operations, and demonstrate progress in their agricultural careers. Nominees are judged on their conservation practices, production history, financial and management practices and contributions to their community, country and the agriculture industry.
In addition to regional recognition at this event, one of the five farmers will be selected to represent Atlantic Canada at the National Outstanding Young Farmers Program. This year's program will be held in conjunction with the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. Atlantic Canada's representative will compete against farmers from across the nation for "Canada's Outstanding Young Farmer Award."
Since the program began in 1979, ten Atlantic region farmers have taken top honours at the national level.