Time is running out to get funding from the Summer Farm Employment Program.

The provincial program offers wage support for farmers who employ youth during July and August. Employers must own or rent a farming operation in Alberta and have a gross production of $25,000 per year. Work must be directly related to the farming operation, and can’t include domestic work or childcare. Employers must recruit their own workers, provide daily supervision, and ensure safe working conditions for their employees. Monthly records of time worked must be completed by the employer. Employees are paid by the farmer and by the government for each respective part of their salary, which must meet provincial minimum hourly rates.

“Farm safety is an emphasis in this program and all summer farm employers and employees are required to review a safety DVD together,” said program co-ordinator Mary Anne Nelson. “Employees must complete and pass a safety quiz based on the DVD information in order to be accepted into the program.”

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and will be accepted at the Summer Farm Employment Program office in Stettler until all program funds are committed or May 31, whatever comes first. Applications received after May 31 will not be processed unless funding is available.

Applications can be found online at agriculture.alberta.ca or by calling 310-FARM (3276).