The Alberta edition of the Young Speakers for Agriculture competition is going ahead despite the pandemic.
Although the national edition of the event, held each November at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, has been cancelled, organizers here have opted for an online videotaped version.
“By having all the participants submit their videos online, it ensures the health and well-being of everyone involved is protected, while keeping with the spirit of promoting agriculture and food production,” said Chancey Lane, a 2017 Alberta champion and president of the provincial chapter.
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“We felt it was important to still hold the event given the enthusiasm we see from the youth every year,” added chair Eric Dalke.
Entrants can choose from seven topics:
- How can we fill the talent pipeline in Canadian agriculture?
- What impact will the emerging micro-food processing industry have on agriculture?
- Aquaculture: The challenges and solutions of developing, funding and marketing an emerging food source.
- Climate change: Can the family farm manage and capitalize on this shift?
- Lessons learned over the last 25 years of agriculture – and how we can apply it to the next 25.
- Should the agriculture industry fund and support opportunities for youth development?
- How to create ecosystem markets that reward Canada’s farmers for environmental stewardship.
The competition is open to youth aged 11 to 24. The deadline for video submissions is Aug. 15. More info, including how to enter, can be found at albertayoungspeakers.com.
