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Youth Employment and Skills Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Up to $14K

Non-repayable contribution toward a youth's wages and benefits to a maximum of $14,000, plus up to an additional $5,000 per project for youth who relocate and/or face a barrier to employment. AAFC pays a maximum of 50% of eligible costs (80% for Indigenous employers and/or employers hiring youth facing barriers).

AAFC's Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) gives non-repayable contributions to agriculture and agri-food employers who hire youth aged 15 to 30 for work experience and skill development, with higher support for Indigenous employers and youth facing barriers. The 2026-27 intake has closed.

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How to apply

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Who qualifies

Employers: for-profit organizations (partnerships, corporations, co-operatives, trusts), not-for-profits, individuals or sole proprietorships, provincial/territorial/municipal governments, Indigenous organizations or individuals, and academia that are agriculture or agri-food related (farms, greenhouses, orchards, food processors, suppliers, related NGOs); legal entity able to sign agreements; youth hired on payroll with source deductions (contractors not eligible). Youth: aged 15 to 30 at project start, Canadian citizen, permanent resident or refugee. Applications from Indigenous applicants and for youth facing barriers are prioritized; others first come, first served with fair distribution across Canada.

FarmersSmall businessIndigenousYouth

Good to know

  • Funding: Total government funding cannot exceed 100% of project costs. Program budget for 2026-27 is about $13.47 million (up to $27 million over 2026-2028). Funding is reported on an AGR-1 slip for tax. A mid-point claim of up to 50% of AAFC's contribution is possible for projects of 6 to 12 months.
  • Cost share: 50% of eligible costs
  • Notes: Verified directly from the AAFC program pages using a browser-style request (automated fetch tool is blocked). The earlier removal of the $5,000 relocation/barrier amount is reversed: it is stated on the official page.

Evidence from the official page

  • status“Applications were accepted until May 4, 2026.” source ↗
  • amount“to a maximum of $14,000.” source ↗
  • amount“Up to an additional $5,000 per project may be provided to support youth participants who relocate for the project and/or face a barrier to employment.” source ↗
  • amount“AAFC — maximum of 50%” source ↗
  • eligibility“Be between the ages of 15 and 30 (inclusive) at the start of the project” source ↗

Verified 2026-10-09 · High confidence. Always confirm on the official page before applying.