The Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship Program has announced that it will now be accepting applications for its 2022 cohort.
This year's theme centers on 'transparency.' Students applying for the scholarship are encouraged to explore the meaning of transparency and how it affects the perception of modern agriculture among the public. The scholarship's focus is on promoting more dialogue about where our food comes from and how every member of the value chain plays a role in communicating that story.
"As a future farmer and rancher, the education I will receive through this scholarship will help me build my strengths as I work towards growing sustainable and reliable produce that I can be proud of," said Jesse Patzer, the 2021 Agriculture Student Scholarship grand prize winner.
Students entering post-secondary agriculture-related studies in 2022 will be eligible for the scholarship. The application process invites applicants to submit a three-minute video or a 1000-word essay pertaining to transparency in agriculture. A winning scholarship of $4,000 will be presented, along with three runner-up scholarships of $2,000 each.
"We need young people to get engaged in the sector, and there are also great opportunities for a career in agriculture," said Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit.
Once winners are selected, they are recognized at a formal ceremony where they have the opportunity to meet one another and discuss their hopes for the industry's future.
"It's amazing; I have sat around the table with the winners before and have had some great discussions about agriculture. You can really hear the passion they have for it, and some of the different fields they would like to enter such as research, agronomy, and primary agriculture" said Marit.
Funding for this award comes from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a three-year, $3 billion investment from the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada's agriculture, agri-food industries.
As part of this commitment, $2 billion will be allocated for programs cost-shared 60/40 by the federal and provincial/territorial governments through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Those interested in pursuing a career path into agriculture and food are encouraged to share their stories, as it can be as simple as putting together a video or an essay.
Applications for the 2022 cohort must be received by March 1, 2022. To learn more about the Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship Program, visit Saskatchewan.ca/ag-scholarship.
