ABOUT US
About Us
Founded in 1948 as The Junior Farmers of Prince Edward Island, the PEIYF mission is to shape island agricultural leaders by fostering networking opportunities, through knowledge exchange and education, and by engaging in policy advocacy as a collective voice for young farmers on Prince Edward Island. The PEIYF membership stands at over 160 members, representing a diverse cross section of young farmers and agriculture professionals aged 18-39 on PEI. An elected Board of Directors works alongside two open member-led standing committees, Events Committee and Agriculture Policy Committee, to deliver for our membership.
Main Objectives
-
Promote youth involvement in agriculture by focusing on membership growth, development, and participation.
-
Promote effective leadership skill development through seminars, guest speakers, exchange programs, and more.
-
Support agricultural awareness through engagement with other agriculture organizations, advocacy, public relations, and communications efforts
-
Support policy discussions amongst members to achieve a collective voice for young farmers in advocacy with governments or external organizations.
-
Fostering friendship and fun.
​
Committees
The PEI Young Farmers Agriculture Policy Committee is a group dedicated to representing and advocating for the interests of young farmers and agriculture professionals across Prince Edward Island. The committee works to identify key policy issues affecting the next generation of farmers through collaboration with industry stakeholders and government bodies. Their goal is to ensure that young people have the resources, voice, and opportunities needed to thrive in PEI’s evolving agricultural industry.
​
The PEI Young Farmers Events Committee is responsible for organizing engaging and educational events that bring together young people involved in agriculture across Prince Edward Island. The committee plans a variety of activities throughout the year, including farm tours, networking socials, workshops, and industry panels, all designed to build connections, share knowledge, and strengthen the young farming community.
Program Coordinator -
Connie Spencer
Connie Spencer brings a diverse background of agricultural experience to the role. After years of owning and operating a vegetable and flower farm, she now focuses on growing food for herself and her family.
Her passion for agriculture began early. In her late teens early twenties, Connie worked on a variety of farms around the world, gaining hands on experience in everything from organic garlic farming to various livestock operations. She is deeply passionate about agriculture, where our food comes from and supporting the next generation of farmers.
Formally educated with years of experience in Administration, Bookkeeping, Events Coordinating and Project Management, Connie also serves as Chief Administrative Officer for the Rural Municipality of Murray River.
Past President - Robert Larsen
Robert believes agriculture and people, especially youth, are the cornerstones of strong rural communities. He has vast experience in board governance within the 4-H movement in Canada, his rural community, and the island’s agriculture industry. His volunteerism is focused on impact and ensuring youth have a voice in decision-making. In 2024, he worked with a team to relaunch the PEI Young Farmers Association and was elected to serve as the association’s president.
Robert holds a BSc. in Agricultural Business from Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture. During the day, he can be found on the farm in Cape Traverse working alongside his family on their beef cattle feedlot or in a field managing Norring Road Custom, the family’s Agri-services planting and harvesting operation.
President - Suz Brouwer
Hi! I’m Suz, and I’m honoured to serve as the President of the PEI Young Farmers Association.
I am the owner and operator of Eastview Dairy in Kingston, PE . I’m milking around 45 cows with a robotic milking system and cropping a variety of forages as well as beans.
Farming has always been a huge part of my life, and being involved in agriculture has given me a deep appreciation for the people, families, and communities that make our industry so special. I’m incredibly passionate about agriculture and even more passionate about seeing young farmers have the opportunity to grow, connect, and succeed.
PEI Young Farmers is an association that I truly believe in. I love what this organization represents: bringing young people in agriculture together, creating opportunities to learn and build relationships, professional skill development, supporting one another, and helping strengthen the future of our industry.
One of my favourite things about PEI Young Farmers is the community it creates. Farming can be challenging, and having people around you who understand the joys, struggles, and realities of agriculture makes such a difference. I believe there is so much value in creating spaces where young farmers can connect, share ideas, encourage one another, and simply enjoy spending time together.
I’m so excited for the opportunity to be part of leading this association and to work alongside such an incredible group of young farmers and volunteers. I’m looking forward to building on the great work that has already been done, creating new opportunities for our members, and helping make PEI Young Farmers a place where young people feel welcomed, supported, and excited to be involved.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as President, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for PEI Young Farmers.
Treasurer - Ella Wood
Ella Wood was introduced to the agriculture industry early on through her parents, who worked in the field and had a small farm. Ella pursued her education at Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture in Truro, NS, and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business. After graduating, Ella gained experience working with a crop input company, which gave valuable insight into the industry from a different angle. A few years later, the opportunity arose to return to the AAFC research farm in Harrington, where she could apply her skills and passion directly to agricultural research and plant breeding. Ella stays involved in the industry as she is a Certified Crop Advisor and Professional Agrologist.