The primary goal of our program is to engage high school age youth in food systems learning and leadership development while exploring career options in the agriculture and food sectors. As it stands, most of today’s young people are largely unaware of how food is produced, processed, distributed, and disposed of. Recognizing that the average Canadian farmer is now 55 to 59 years old, and that 1 in 8 people in Canada hold jobs in food-related industries, we believe that youth must be encouraged to see viability in food careers, and in the vast potential for increasing the sustainability of our food systems through these career options. We also believe that youth need opportunities to develop practical, transferable skills and to be empowered to become strong leaders in the food and agriculture sectors.