Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) is proud to announce that applications for the 2021/2022 Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship program are now open.

In partnership with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and the Government of Canada, the Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship program is delivered by CWA and accepts eight applicants into an 18-month mentorship experience. Mentees are paired with some of the brightest minds and strongest leaders in Canadian agriculture and are exposed to industry knowledge, board and governance training, business education, financial literacy and networking opportunities.

After a successful launch in 2019, the program now enters its third cycle with applications open until early January of 2021. Mentees are selected by an advisory committee based on industry involvement, existing skills, interests, abilities, desired outcomes and overall fit in the program.

“Canada’s young agricultural professionals and producers are key to the future success of our sector,” says federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. “Our Government is working hard to ensure our youth have access to the necessary training and opportunities that will allow them to develop their skills to become leaders in the agriculture industry. By ensuring they are equipped for the future, we can build a stronger, more prosperous agriculture industry in Saskatchewan and across the country.”

“Saskatchewan’s young leaders are a valuable source of knowledge, innovation, and expertise,” says Agriculture Minister David Marit. “By partnering them with experienced mentors, this program enhances their skills and prepares them to take on active roles within the industry.”

“It’s exciting to watch the Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship program grow as it has over the last two years,” says CWA President Chris Lees. “To see what the mentees are getting out of the program and the connections they’re making is something CWA is proud to be a part of.”