B.C. 4-H program celebrates centennial with new funding

ARMSTRONG – In celebration of 100 years of preparing young British Columbians with agriculture learning and leadership, the B.C. government is presenting B.C. 4-H with $87, 000 in funding and a Century Farm Award.

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick made the announcement Saturday at the 115th annual Interior Provincial Exhibition in Armstrong. The funding grant will support B.C. 4-H programs that help build youth development and leadership in local B.C. 4-H clubs throughout the province.

"The B.C. 4-H program is devoted to our young people and introducing them to the agricultural community. I look forward to continuing our partnership with 4-H as youth programs continue to grow and more young British Columbians take an interest in expanding their knowledge about farming and agriculture. It's an honour to present the Century Farm Award
to an organization that has supported farmers and their families for 100 years," Letnick said.

Originally known as Boys and Girls clubs, B.C. 4-H started in 1914 with more than 200 young people participating in competitions sponsored by the Department of Agriculture. The program originally focused on potato-farming activities and soon after expanded to include popular projects involving poultry, swine, beef and dairy. Non-agricultural projects such
as arts and crafts were added in the late 1970s as more young British Columbians outside farming communities joined the program.

Today, more than 2,000 young people between the ages of six and 21 years are actively involved in the program in British Columbia. The four Hs stand for head, heart, hands and health, and B.C. 4-H inspires its members to become well-balanced leaders of their communities both as kids and adults.

"B.C. 4-H is honoured to receive the Century Farm award. Generations of British Columbians have benefited from the 4-H program. Our members, alumni and volunteers have made a lasting contribution to B.C. agriculture and their communities," according to B.C. 4-H manager Kevin Rothwell.

Century Farm Awards honour agricultural organizations that have been active for 100 years. The Century Farm award program was created in 1994 to mark the centennial of the Ministry of Agriculture.