Competition offers support for young farmers

The Financière agricole du Québec has begun its 13th ‘Turn to Excellence’ Competition, which aims to highlight the next generation of Quebec farmers. Since its inception in 2005, the competition has helped over 300 young agricultural entrepreneurs improve their business plans and give themselves an additional chance to grow their business. Among the winners, 36 have received grants totaling $100,000.

The organization will select ten finalists based on the excellence of their entrepreneurial profile, their passion, their talents, and the managerial qualities that drive them. Among them, three winners will share a grand prize of $5,000, two scholarships of $2,500 and a new scholarship of $1,500. In addition, the Farm Succession Investment Fund (FIRA) will award a $1,500 scholarship to one young farmer, distinguished by their contribution to supervision or mentoring.

Young agricultural entrepreneurs who wish to apply can do so from March 5 to May 25, 2018 at their La Financière agricole service center at 4260 Bourque Blvd in Sherbrooke. To be eligible, entrants must meet the following conditions:

-be between the ages of 18 and 40 at the time of registration;

-have been in business for two to seven years;

-hold at least 20%per cent of the shares in the business;

-have received or are preparing to receive a start-up or settlement grant under the Farm Succession Support Program.

A jury will determine ten finalists who will be invited to the unveiling of the winners next November in Drummondville, during the Management Symposium organized by the Reference Center in Agriculture and Agri-food Quebec (CRAAQ).

To register, visit the contest website at https://www.fadq.qc.ca/a-propos-denous/concours-tournez-vous-vers-lexcellence.