P.E.I. Young Farmers Association hires 1st staff member to support next generation of growers [Video]

The Prince Edward Island Young Farmers Association, which for decades was run by volunteers from top to bottom, has now hired its first employee as it seeks to support and attract young agricultural professionals.

Jamie Ward was recently hired as the association’s first program co-ordinator. The part-time role is funded through core funding from the P.E.I. Department of Agriculture.

Ward graduated from Holland College’s Environmental Applied Science Technology program recently and is continuing her education at UPEI, concentrating on environmental studies.

With strong family ties to potato farming in the western part of the province, she said the new role is a natural fit.

For years, the Prince Edward Island Young Farmers Association was run by volunteers. Now, the group has hired its first paid position — a program co-ordinator. We hear from Jamie Ward in the new role, as well as Agriculture Minister Bloyce Thompson.

“It was just my …