Young Agrarians (YA) is a farmer-to-farmer education network for new and young ecological, organic, and regenerative farmers across Canada. YA has been building connections to the land and to each other since 2012.
YA is volunteer-driven. Farmers across the country host on-farm events, share skills, and help newer growers find their footing. YA is a program of Agrarians Foundation, a registered Canadian charity.
Why this work matters
Canada has 262,455 farm operators, and fewer than 1 in 10 are under age 35. That age gap makes farm renewal, succession, and local food security harder over time.
At the same time, farmland values have continued to rise, which can make it harder for new farmers to get started. Farm Credit Canada reports that cultivated farmland values increased 9.3% in 2024, following years of increases.
Land, relationships, and reconciliation
YA recognizes the Indigenous lands and territories where they live and work, and they speak openly about the ongoing impacts of colonial land systems on Indigenous food systems. They also aim to support relationship-based, cross-cultural work in farming and land stewardship.
Regenerative farming and soil health
YA supports farmers who rebuild soil health and strengthen farms for a changing climate. In practice, that often looks like keeping soil covered, reducing tillage, maintaining living roots, increasing biodiversity, and integrating livestock where it fits.
Programs and impact
YA runs hands-on and online programs that help new farmers build skills, find land, and grow viable farm businesses. These include apprenticeships, business mentorship, land matching support, e-learning, events, and policy work. YA reports supporting 11K new farmers, reaching 21K event participants, and mobilizing 22K farmer volunteer hours.
Why Fresh Valley Farms supports Young Agrarians
Fresh Valley Farms shares YA’s focus on practical learning, strong farm communities, and farming methods that protect soil, water, and habitat. We support YA because more trained, supported farmers means a stronger local food system for everyone.