Federal Ag Minister Lawrence MacAulay has announced a two-year investment of up to $5.2 million for the Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative.

The goal is to attract young Canadians to green jobs within the agriculture and agri-food sector.

"Young Canadians have the talent and drive to lead the future growth of Canada's economy, but they need practical work experience," said MacAulay. "Green jobs will provide young Canadians with valuable work experience, jump-starting their future careers in the agriculture and the environment sectors."

The initiative follows through on a Government of Canada commitment made in Budget 2017 to help create jobs and to support young Canadians as they transition into the workforce. Under the initiative, support is available to fund youth internships, both on the farm and with organizations engaged in the agriculture and agri-food sector for environmentally beneficial activities.

Funding will be available in two streams.

The Green Farms stream will provide matching funds of up to $10,000 to help a farmer hire high school or college students to support environmentally beneficial activities on the farm.

The Green Internships stream will provide matching funds of up to $16,000 to help organizations involved in the agricultural industry hire young graduates to pursue environmental activities, services or research that benefit the agriculture sector.

Applications for both streams will be accepted starting April 26.