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 130 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
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Promote youth involvement in agriculture by focusing on membership growth, development, and participation.
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Promote effective leadership skill development through seminars, guest speakers, exchange programs, and more.
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Support agricultural awareness through engagement with other agriculture organizations, advocacy, public relations, and communications efforts
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Support policy discussions amongst members to achieve a collective voice for young farmers in advocacy with governments or external organizations.
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Fostering friendship and fun.
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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.
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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 - Jamie Ward
Jamie Ward became involved in agriculture by frequently visiting her family's mixed farm operation in Western P.E.I. ​Jamie began her studies at Holland College in the Environmental Applied Science & Technology program, specializing as an Environmental Technician, and continued her education at the University of Prince Edward Island in the Environmental Studies program with a specialization in Island Environments & Sustainability. While in post-secondary, she worked for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as a Summer Research Student. After gaining her education and applying her passion for the agriculture sector, she was able to deeply understand the connection between the environment and agriculture.
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.
Vice President - Rebecca MacSwain
Rebecca MacSwain grew up on her family’s potato farm in Morell, PEI, where her passion for agriculture took root early on. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture, graduating in 2018.
Rebecca started her career working in agricultural retail, gaining hands-on experience in the industry before joining the PEI Potato Board in 2023. As Seed Specialist, she represents the Island’s seed potato industry and leads seed-related initiatives.
Rebecca also oversees the management of the Fox Island Elite Seed Farm in Alberton, PEI, helping ensure the production of top-quality seed potatoes that support the industry’s success. Rebecca is a Certified Crop Advisor, Professional Agrologist, and has recently completed a Master's of Business Administration from the University of Prince Edward Island.
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.