Youth in Agriculture Week

Date: August 10–14, 2026
Time: Daily 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: ASSOCIATION PASTORALE DES BOUTIÈRES Facilities and Surrounding Fields

Event Description

Youth in Agriculture Week is a five-day, free educational program designed to ignite curiosity and build practical skills in the next generation of agricultural leaders. This event brings together young people from local schools, families, and youth organizations to explore farming, pastoral practice, environmental science, and rural entrepreneurship.

The program begins Monday at 9:00 AM with introductions and group orientation. Participants will receive welcome kits including notebooks, field guides, and schedules. The first session, “Understanding Farms: From Soil to Table,” covers the basics of agricultural systems, crop cycles, and livestock management in a hands-on classroom setting.

Each day of Youth in Agriculture Week combines interactive lessons, field activities, and reflection periods. Tuesday’s focus, “Soil Health and Ecology,” invites participants into outdoor settings to analyze soil types, learn composting techniques, and understand water cycles. Students will conduct simple soil tests and discuss how healthy soil underpins successful farming.

Wednesday is dedicated to “Pastoral Practices and Animal Care.” Guided by experienced pastoralists, participants will learn about livestock behavior, grazing patterns, and ethical care practices. This session includes supervised activities with animals on pasture, teaching respect and responsibility in animal-human interactions.

On Thursday, the program shifts to agricultural innovation and sustainability. Sessions titled “Agroecology in Practice” and “Future Farming Technologies” explore how technology and ecological principles intersect to improve productivity while protecting the environment. Young participants will engage in problem-solving challenges and design thinking exercises that stimulate creative approaches to real agricultural issues.

The final day, Friday, centers on “Entrepreneurship and Rural Opportunities.” Participants will work in small teams to develop mock agricultural business ideas, considering market needs, sustainability, and community impact. Teams will present their concepts in a friendly showcase that afternoon, fostering public speaking, planning, and collaboration skills.

In addition to daily sessions, Youth in Agriculture Week features guest speakers from local farms, environmental organizations, and agricultural schools. Lunches are provided with local produce, giving participants a taste of seasonal, regionally grown foods.

Each evening concludes with a group reflection session where participants share their insights, questions, and ideas for future learning. The week culminates in a certificate ceremony acknowledging each young person’s participation and achievements.

Youth in Agriculture Week is free and open to all young people interested in agriculture, environmental stewardship, and rural life. It is designed to inspire, educate, and empower youth to become informed and engaged contributors to sustainable rural futures.