Nova Scotia 4-H Members Speak Up For Agriculture

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Nova Scotia 4-H Members Speak Up For Agriculture

An upcoming 4-H conference will help young people learn the communications skills they need to become effective ambassadors for Nova Scotia's agriculture industry.

Seventy 4-H members between the ages of 13 and 15 will head to Truro's AgriTech Park on Saturday, Feb.7 and Sunday, Feb. 8 for the Nova Scotia 4-H Intermediate Conference called Speak Up For Agriculture.

The conference aims to promote confidence and motivate 4-H members to give them the skills they need to speak positively about the agriculture industry. Participants will also learn about teamwork, agricultural careers, sport and recreation.

"It's wonderful to see so many young people interested in agriculture issues and speaking so positively about the industry," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "The 4-H program has always been proactive in teaching life skills to young people and this conference is an excellent avenue for accomplishing this."

Several speakers will address key issues at the conference. Brent Finnamore, of Peak Adventures International Inc., will deliver Take Charge of Your Thinking, a two-hour presentation designed to empower 4-H members to manage their mind set, strive for credibility, work as a team and develop leadership skills. Crystal MacKay, the communications specialist for Ontario Pork, will brainstorm issues with the 4-H members on the topic of Speaking Up, addressing the rural and urban gap with communities and how to respond to difficult media situations.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer such an exciting and pro- active conference for Nova Scotia 4-H members," said Liz Crouse, the department's manager for 4-H and rural organizations. "Through entertaining and educational sessions, the 4-H members will feel self-assured and more knowledgeable about promoting local agriculture within their communities."

Sponsors of the conference are Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Nova Scotia 4-H Council and Syngenta Crop Protection Canada Inc.