Bayer announced that it will be funding several projects, aimed at tackling how to feed a growing population without starving the planet. Three young agricultural leaders who attended the 2019 Youth Ag Summit have been awarded EUR 5,000 each in funding to develop projects tackling food insecurity in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Three additional delegates, including Kelcie Miller-Anderson from Calgary, displayed exceptional qualities and have been nominated to represent young people in agriculture on the world stage. Kelcie will be attending Bayer’s 2020 Future of Farming Dialogue conference.
Beth Roden, Head of Global Communications for the Crop Science division of Bayer, said of the delegates: “Each of the 2019 Youth Ag Summit delegates is planting a path towards a more food secure world. The innovation, creativity and passion displayed by each of them – not just by our winners – is proof that the future of food is in safe hands. Bayer is proud to be supporting their efforts and we can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Hosted by Bayer in partnership with the Nuffield International Farming Network and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the biennial Youth Ag Summit, which began in Calgary in 2013 in partnership with 4-H Canada, aims to give the next generation of agricultural change-makers a platform and provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to act on solutions for a more sustainable future.
Liam Condon, President of the Crop Science Division of Bayer, kicked off the event sharing Bayer’s purpose of shaping agriculture to benefit farmers, consumers and our planet, and challenged delegates to find their purpose in life. During the 2019 Summit, delegates worked in groups to develop their own project ideas for achieving Zero Hunger, while also providing feedback and input to each other.
Canada once again played an important role at the event, sending five delegates from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec. These young leaders brought their unique ideas and perspectives to the summit and have returned with new focus and energy. These delegates included:
- Kelcie Miller-Anderson from Calgary, AB
- Emmett Sawyer from Acme, AB
- Grace Heuver from Strathmore, AB
- Karly Rumpel from Craven, SK
- Leah Davidson from Sherbrooke, QC
"The summit was such an incredible experience to connect with other young people from around the world who all deeply care about creating positive change and impact,” said Kelcie, "I left the Youth Ag Summit reassured and hopeful because there were 99 other young people from countries around the world that are doing everything they can to create solutions and feed our planet.”
The delegates now join a community of over 400 Youth Ag Summit alumni globally—AgVocates who share the same commitment to achieving Zero Hunger and speaking on behalf agriculture. Each of them has already planted their path towards a more food secure future, and we are excited to see their ideas take root and blossom.
Bayer