For Youth Ages 15–35


Innovation Contest

A youth contest for ideas and solutions that shape the future of agriculture, food systems, and rural communities.

Who
Youth ages 15–35
Format
Individual or Team
Deadline
October 15, 2026
Submission
Short Videos
Languages
English & French
Prizes
See below

About the Contest

Our Future in Farming is a youth innovation contest designed to spark ideas that strengthen agriculture, support rural communities, and imagine practical solutions for the future of farming.

We welcome creative, realistic, and forward-thinking ideas from young people across communities and backgrounds.

What We're Looking For

Agroecology

Ideas that improve soil, water, biodiversity, climate resilience, or long-term farm health.

Open Farm Tech

Tools, apps, or mechanics that improve efficiency while respecting data privacy and the Right to Repair.

Community Solutions

Projects that support rural mental health, knowledge sharing, or cooperative models.

Food Sovereignty

Innovations in regional processing, local distribution, institutional buying, or short supply chains.

Business Ideas

Business models for direct sales, fair pricing, lower input costs, or rural entrepreneurship.

Youth & Land Access

Initiatives that lower barriers for new farmers, ease land transfers, or revitalize rural services.

Document Hub

Contest Rules

PDF

The official details for the competition.

Open Document

Application Form

Online Form

Complete this form to submit your final idea.

Open Document

Judging Rubric

PDF

See exactly how entries will be evaluated by the review committee.

Open Document

Consent Form

PDF

Required for all participants, additional consent for participants under 18.

Open Document

Submission Guide

PDF

Step-by-step instructions on making a successful submission.

Open Document

Checklist

PDF

A quick self-assessment to ensure you and your team have a successful submission.

Open Document

How It Works

1

Review Details

Review the contest guidelines, rubric, and advice.

2

Develop Idea

Create or share your project, solo or as a team.

3

Submit

Send us your written or video submission.

4

Celebrate

Finalists and winners are shared and announced.

Evaluation Criteria

25%

Creativity

20%

Relevance

20%

Impact

15%

Feasibility

15%

Communication

5%

Vision

20%

Video Bonus

Contest Timeline

August 1, 2026

Contest Opens

September 10, 2026

Info Session & Support Period

October 15, 2026

Submission Deadline

Oct 15 - Nov 15, 2026

Review Period

November 15, 2026

Winners contacted

November 27, 2026

Winner Announcement & Showcase

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can enter?

Any youth between the ages of 15 and 35 living in Canada.

Can I enter as a team?

Yes! You can enter individually or as a team of up to 4 people. If entering as a team, all members must meet the age requirements.

Can I submit an innovation that I have already created or implemented?

Absolutely! We welcome and highly encourage you to submit innovations, projects, business models, or tools that are already made, tested, or currently in use.

Am I allowed to submit more than one entry?

Yes! You are allowed and encouraged to submit multiple different entries if you have more than one idea or project you would like to share with us.

Can I submit in English or French?

Yes, we accept full submissions, including videos and PDFs, in both official languages.

Is there a parent or guardian form?

Yes. If you are under the age of 18 at the time of submission, you must include a signed Parent/Guardian Consent Form (available in the Document Hub).

What if I'm over 35?

Farmers innovate at all ages! While this opportunity is currently only available to youth ages 15 to 35, send us a message and we'll get in touch.

Ready to share your idea?

Apply to Our Future in Farming and help shape the future of agriculture.