About The Growing Young Farmers Society

The Growing Young Farmers’ Society was founded in 2011 and became a registered charity in 2013. Our goal is to provide hands-on educational opportunities to youth on growing food, soil and ecosystem health, and biodiversity.

Children who participate in growing food become more aware of what they eat, where it comes from, and how it impacts the environment. By learning how to grow food, students can also play an active role in increasing Vancouver Island's sustainability and decreasing our dependence on the global, industrial food system.

​From 2011-2022 Growing Young Farmers operated in-school programs, helping children learn gardening skills by maintaining gardens at their schools, as well as running spring break and summer camps.

In 2023 The Growing Young Farmers’ Society transitioned away from school-garden programs, and has entrusted The Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture to run its youth programming at their farm in North Saanich, BC.

Sandown is working with The Growing Young Farmers’ Society to develop hands-on, outdoor education programs for school children, from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Beginning in March 2024, Sandown will welcome class field trips to the farm, where students can learn about soil and plant life, food systems, environmental restoration and regenerative food production!

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