Catalyst Conference for Youth
Offering mentorship, skills training, and practical farm experience to youth facing barriers interested in a farming career.
FED's Catalyst Program was first launched in 2025 to empower equity-deserving youth to launch careers in agriculture and food systems. The purpose of the program is to provide youth with skills training and readiness for agriculture-related employment or starting a business in food systems. Part of the Catalyst Cohort spends a growing season working at FED Urban Farm, complemented by a four-day conference that connects youth with food systems leaders and subject matter experts from across the region through workshops, speaker presentations, and field trips. New and aspiring farmers are able to learn about or deepen their knowledge in areas such as financial literacy, business mapping, farmer case studies, indigenous food systems, as well as opportunities to build their network and plug into food systems opportunities on South Vancouver Island and beyond.
“I thought that it would not be possible for me to start a new farm due to finding land and figuring everything out on my own. The thought of all the steps are very overwhelming. Through the catalyst program I have the
knowledge of various resource for new farmers and feel confident that I will be able to run my own farm one day.”
-Catalyst Participant, 2025
Our Mission
Join the 2026 fall Cohort
We are currently planning our 2026 Conference, taking place October 2nd, 5th, 6th and 8th! If you are a youth or a new farmer that is interested in gaining essential skills to work on a farm or start your own farming business, apply to our 2026 cohort by filling out our participant form below!
Spots are limited! Participation is free and will occur on a first- come basis using our application form below
