Growing Young Farmers Society

The Growing Young Farmers Society (GYFS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to educating youth about food growing, soil and ecosystem health, and biodiversity through hands-on agricultural programs. It was founded in 2011 and officially registered as a charity in 2013, under the business registration number 841816887RR0001. The organization primarily focuses on providing practical learning experiences related to organic farming and sustainable food production to school-aged children in British Columbia, especially around Vancouver Island[1][4][5].

History and Mission

Founded by Dave Friend, the society's mission is to foster awareness among children regarding the origins of their food, the environmental impacts of food production, and sustainable agricultural practices. By engaging youth in gardening and farming activities, GYFS aims to promote local sustainability and reduce dependence on industrialized global food systems. The charity has emphasized reconnecting young people with organic farming knowledge to support long-term food security and quality in the Southern Vancouver Island region[1][5].

Programs and Activities

From its inception until 2022, the Growing Young Farmers Society operated a robust in-school program across local schools, maintaining gardens on school grounds where students could learn gardening skills firsthand. The curriculum combined classroom instruction about permaculture, local food systems, and organic agriculture with active gardening experiences. Additionally, GYFS ran spring break and summer camps designed to deepen children's engagement with growing food[1][3][4][5].

In 2023, the society transitioned its youth programming to be hosted by The Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture, allowing the programs to continue on a dedicated farm site in North Saanich, BC. This move marked a shift away from direct school-based garden programs, while preserving the core educational aims[1].

Organizational Structure

GYFS operates with an active board of directors, alongside passionate volunteers and dedicated staff members. It is registered and regulated under the Canada Revenue Agency as a charitable organization, ensuring compliance with Canadian nonprofit standards[1][5].

Impact and Importance

By educating children from preschool through high school, GYFS has facilitated critical hands-on learning opportunities to instill sustainable agriculture values in younger generations. The society highlights how farm education can influence not only food production knowledge but also community resilience and environmental stewardship. Its programs aim to build a future cadre of knowledgeable farmers and informed consumers in British Columbia[5].

Note: Contact details and web addresses have been omitted as per instructions.

[1] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/growing-young-farmers-society/?version=2 [2] https://growingyoungfarmers.ca [3] https://www.instagram.com/growingyoungfarmersvictoria/ [4] https://crdcommunitygreenmap.ca/location/growing-young-farmers-gyf-school-program [5] https://streamofconsciousness.ca/event/2020-vision-gyfs/