The Government of Canada has announced a major investment of up to $27 million to support youth employment in the agriculture and agri-food sector. The funding will be delivered through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) and will help young Canadians gain practical work experience while strengthening Canada’s agricultural workforce.
The announcement was made on March 5, 2026, by the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, during the Atlantic Grains Council Cereals and Oilseeds 2026 conference in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
This initiative supports Canada’s long-term goal of building a skilled workforce while creating more opportunities for young Canadians interested in careers in agriculture.
What is the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP)?
The Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) encourages agriculture and agri-food employers across Canada to hire young workers and provide them with meaningful work experience.
The program provides non-repayable funding to help employers cover wages and benefits for youth employees.
Young Canadians aged 15 to 30 years are eligible to participate, giving them the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience within Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
Funding Available for Employers
Employers participating in the YESP program may receive financial assistance to hire young workers.
Funding support includes:
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Up to 50% of wages and benefits for general applicants
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Up to 80% funding for Indigenous employers or employers hiring youth facing barriers to employment
The program prioritizes employment opportunities for:
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Indigenous youth
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Youth with disabilities
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Youth living in rural or remote communities
This targeted support helps expand employment opportunities across Canada while strengthening local communities.
Application Timeline
Employers interested in participating in the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) can apply during the official intake period.
Application Period:
March 5, 2026 – May 4, 2026
Administrative improvements have also been introduced this year to streamline the application process and ensure funding reaches employers more efficiently.
Impact of the YESP Program
Since its launch in 2019, the Youth Employment and Skills Program has supported thousands of youth employment opportunities across Canada’s agriculture sector.
Program highlights include:
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Over 6,200 youth jobs created in agriculture across Canada
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Nearly 2,000 positions for youth facing employment barriers
The initiative is part of the federal government’s broader $307.9 million Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) aimed at helping young Canadians gain work experience and build sustainable careers.
Strengthening Canada’s Agriculture Workforce
Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy and food security. By encouraging youth participation in agriculture careers, the government aims to support innovation, strengthen rural communities, and ensure long-term sustainability in the industry.
Programs like YESP help introduce young workers to careers in areas such as:
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crop production
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farm management
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agricultural technology
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food processing
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agricultural supply chains
These opportunities allow youth to develop valuable skills while contributing to Canada’s future food production and agricultural development.
Agriculture Employment Opportunities in Canada
Canada continues to experience demand for workers across the agriculture and agri-food sector. Employers are actively hiring for a wide range of roles, including:
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farm workers
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agricultural technicians
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equipment operators
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logistics specialists
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food production staff
Employers looking to recruit workers can also promote opportunities through JobForce Canada, a platform designed to connect Canadian employers with job seekers across the country.
👉 Browse jobs or post employment opportunities:
https://jobforcecanada.ca
Official Source
For complete program details and the official government announcement, please visit the Government of Canada news release:
Source: Government of Canada – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP)?
The Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) is a Government of Canada initiative designed to help agriculture and agri-food employers hire young workers aged 15 to 30. The program provides funding support to cover a portion of wages and benefits, helping youth gain valuable work experience in the agriculture sector.
How much funding can employers receive through YESP?
Eligible employers may receive funding covering up to 50% of wages and benefits for youth employees. Indigenous employers or employers hiring youth facing employment barriers may receive up to 80% funding support.
When can employers apply for the program?
Applications for the 2026–2027 YESP program intake are open from March 5, 2026 to May 4, 2026. Employers must submit their applications within this period to be considered for funding.
Who can participate in the YESP program?
The program is open to Canadian agriculture and agri-food employers who are willing to hire young workers aged 15 to 30 and provide meaningful work experience opportunities.
What types of jobs are available through the program?
Youth participating in the program may gain experience in areas such as crop production, farm operations, agri-technology, food processing, agricultural logistics, and supply chain management.
