British Columbia 4-H Clubs get $87,000 grant

Minister of Agriculture and Lands, Steve Thomson, visits with young B.C. 4-H members at a provincial communications event in Kelowna On Saturday, July 3, to present them with an $87,000 grant. (BC Goverrnment photo)

For nearly one hundred years, British Columbia 4-H clubs have been providing a vital link between youth and the future of agriculture in the province. A strong partnership between the BC government and the organization has long been a tradition that has contributed to the building of healthy and sustainable rural communities and provided skilled leaders to BC’s agriculture and food industries.

For nearly one hundred years, British Columbia 4-H clubs have been providing a vital link between youth and the future of agriculture in the province. A strong partnership between the BC government and the organization has long been a tradition that has contributed to the building of healthy and sustainable rural communities and provided skilled leaders to BC’s agriculture and food industries.

To help them do just that, the Minister of Agriculture and Lands has announced an $87,000 grant for BC’s 4-H clubs. Steve Thomson made the announcement this week in Kelowna, saying, “4-H is an important part of both rural and urban life in British Columbia. B.C. 4-H provides a vital link between youth and agriculture that contributes to the future of farming in B.C. I commend all 4-H leaders and volunteers on their dedication to B.C. agriculture and thank them for their hard work and volunteerism.”

The money will help 4-H clubs in the province to continue their programs, enabling volunteers to help children and teens gain experience in a variety of agricultural traditions. This helps them become productive, self-assured adults and fosters knowledge, leadership, citizenship and personal development while, at the same time, ensuring that the industry can be sustained well into the future. One of their many programs is the Fields for Your Future program, which builds interest in agriculture careers among high school students.

Adrienne Smith, manager for BC 4-H said, “BC 4-H young people are the future of agriculture and it’s good to know the Province recognizes how important it is for these programs to continue.”

For more information on BC 4-H, you can go to http://www.bc4h.bc.ca or call 1-866-776-0373.

Locally, there are four 4-H clubs in the Salmon Arm area, and others in Mara, Sicamous, Grindrod, Enderby, Armstrong (3), Lumby, Vernon and Kelowna (2).