Business Details
Advocating for Yukon Farmers and Sustainable Agriculture
The Yukon Agricultural Association (YAA) has been a steadfast advocate for Yukon farmers for over five decades. Representing a diverse range of producers, we focus on strengthening the territory's agricultural sector through advocacy, education, and collaboration with government and industry partners. Our mission connects farmers, policymakers, and researchers to drive innovation and ensure sustainable agricultural practices in the North. Guided by a comprehensive five-year strategic plan, we foster opportunities for both private and commercial producers while advancing the interests of Yukon-grown food at local, regional, and national levels.Through our equipment rental program, member benefits, and educational initiatives, we provide tangible support to Yukon's agricultural community. Our commitment to food security and infrastructure development positions us as a trusted leader in northern agriculture.
Services
Equipment Rental
Funding Programs
Agricultural Advocacy
Educational Events
Yukon Farm Guide
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience advocating for Yukon farmers.
- Our five-year strategic plan guides sustainable agricultural development.
- We manage equipment rental programs to support local producers.
- We offer exclusive member benefits and funding opportunities.
- Our team connects policymakers and farmers to drive industry innovation.
Services
Equipment Rental Program
The YAA offers seasonal equipment rentals to support Yukon farmers. Our fleet includes mowers, ploughs, aerators, and manure spreaders. Each rental includes comprehensive support for booking, pickup, and drop-off. We maintain detailed documentation to ensure smooth operations and welcome feedback to improve our sustainable program.
Funding Programs
We connect Yukon farmers with federal-territorial funding opportunities through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Our programs cover training, market development, food safety, research, and infrastructure. We provide guidance on applications and eligibility for grants supporting northern agricultural innovation and business growth.
Agricultural Advocacy
As Yukon's primary agricultural advocate, we represent producers' interests to government and industry stakeholders. Our efforts focus on policy development, infrastructure improvements, and market access. We work to strengthen food security and create favorable conditions for sustainable farming operations across the territory.
Yukon Farm Guide
Our free online directory connects consumers with local farms, products, and agricultural services. The guide promotes Yukon-grown food through visibility for producers and educational resources. It serves as a vital tool for building consumer awareness and expanding market opportunities for local agricultural businesses.
Educational Events
We organize conferences, webinars, and networking events to foster knowledge sharing and professional development. Our programming covers cold-climate farming techniques, business planning, and policy updates. Events create platforms for collaboration between producers, researchers, and policymakers to advance Yukon's agricultural sector.
People
Cain Vangel
President
Cain Vangel leads YAA's strategic direction, bringing extensive experience in Yukon agricultural policy and governance to ensure effective representation of producers' interests.
Ann-Marie Stockley
Vice President
Ann-Marie Stockley supports agricultural development initiatives, leveraging her background in sustainable farming practices and community engagement to advance YAA's mission.
Hanna Fish
Executive Director
Hanna Fish oversees YAA's operations, combining expertise in agricultural policy and program management to implement strategic initiatives that benefit Yukon producers.
Angela Dunbar
Treasurer
Angela Dunbar manages YAA's financial stewardship, applying her agricultural finance experience to ensure responsible resource allocation and program sustainability.
Kevin Bowers
Director
Kevin Bowers contributes board governance expertise, focusing on land use policies and infrastructure development to support Yukon's agricultural growth.
Questions
What is the Yukon Agricultural Association's primary mission?
We advocate for Yukon farmers, promote food security, and address northern agricultural challenges through policy work, equipment programs, and the 5% Local Food Goal initiative.
How does YAA support Yukon farmers?
We provide equipment rentals, funding program guidance, policy advocacy, educational events, and the Yukon Farm Guide directory to connect producers with resources and markets.
What is the 5% Local Food Goal?
This initiative aims to have government institutions source 5% of their food purchases from Yukon producers by 2025 to strengthen local food systems and farmer markets.
How can I access agricultural land in Yukon?
We provide information about Yukon's Agricultural Land Programs, including Spot Land and Planned Land options with guidance through the application and development process.
What farming challenges exist in Yukon?
Challenges include short growing seasons, cold climate, limited infrastructure, equipment access, and higher shipping costs, which we address through advocacy and resource programs.
How can I get involved with YAA?
Join as a member for equipment access, voting rights, and exclusive benefits, or participate in our events, committees, and advocacy initiatives to support Yukon agriculture.
