A total of $731,162 in funding has been announced by the Alberta and Canadian governments to help support 4-H Alberta clubs.
Over five years the money will be given to three 4-H Alberta programs through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
"The Intro to 4-H program, the Agriculture Safety and Mental Health Workshop, and the Senior Spring Symposium will benefit from the funding," wrote the province in a news release.
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson says he's excited about the impact the money will have, “4-H Alberta has a long, proud legacy of teaching kids skills they’ll use throughout their entire lives, from livestock care to public speaking and career development. We are proud to support this great organization and help introduce even more youth to valuable 4-H programming.”
According to the release, the Intro to 4-H program bridges the gap between urban and rural kids and local farmers and ranchers.
"The Agriculture Safety and Mental Health Workshop is a new program that incorporates farm safety and mental health through experiential programs like equine therapy in a new hands-on learning opportunity for rural and urban youth," added the province.
The Spring Senior Symposium will focus on mental health education for students in agriculture while also tackling the stigma surrounding mental health in farming.