MINISTER HAGEN CELEBRATES 4-H MONTH WITH COMOX CLUBS

COURTENAY – Minister of Agriculture and Lands and Comox Valley MLA Stan Hagen took time out to celebrate National 4-H month with 4-H clubs from the Comox Valley on Saturday night.

“It’s very encouraging for me to be a part of an evening like this,” said Hagen. “Seeing so many young people who are enthusiastic about agriculture really adds to a sense of optimism about the future of B.C.’s agricultural industry. This is the next generation of British Columbians, who will carry on the legacy of those who work so hard to produce our food.”

The minister joined youth and volunteer leaders for a dinner and awards ceremony to celebrate the group’s achievements over the past year and acknowledge the hard-working volunteers who keep 4-H clubs going.

4-H clubs have been established across North America to give youth a sense of community, healthy living and values, indicated by their name, which stands for head, heart, health and hands. The organization started in B.C. in 1914 and continues today as a way of preparing young people to become adults who contribute positively to their communities.

The Comox Valley 4-H consists of five clubs that engage youth in various areas of the agricultural industry, including the Comox Valley Calf Club, Tsolum Sheep Club, Comox Valley Horse Tails, Shamrock Oddstock Club and the Comox Valley Swine Club.

“We really enjoyed having Minister Hagen come out and support the achievements of these young people,” said Betsy Legault, the Comox Valley 4-H key leader. “We work hard to raise the profile of 4-H clubs because they give youth a unique opportunity to build their confidence in a positive environment.”

The B.C. Agriculture Plan: Growing a Healthy Future for B.C. Families, which the ministry released earlier this year, points out that the next 10 years are crucial for B.C.’s farm labour shortage. Since 2001, the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands has annually contributed at least $95,000 to B.C. 4-H. The ministry also has a Youth and Community Development programs branch that partners with 4-H to administer programs like Fields for Your Future, which builds interest in agricultural careers among high school students.

For more information on 4-H clubs in B.C. and how to contribute to raising awareness of agriculture’s importance, visit www.bc4h.bc.ca. To view the B.C. Agriculture Plan online, visit www.al.gov.bc.ca/Agriculture_Plan/.

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Contact:

Liz Bicknell

Communications Director

Ministry of Agriculture and Lands

250 356-2862

250 213-3072 (cell)

For 4-H community leader contact numbers, please phone the B.C. 4-H Head Office at 1 866 776-0373.




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