Junior Farmers Association Of Ontario

For nearly 75 years, JFAO has played an important role in the development of leaders – most visibly in the rural and agricultural sector. Founded in 1944, with clubs local clubs founded in 1914; The Junior Farmers Association of Ontario is a youth leadership development organization. Junior Farmers (JFAO) welcomes anyone between the ages of 15 and 29 as of January 1. Members tend to be rural youth, but contrary to our name many of us are not farmers, and by the time we finish the program, we’re not all that junior! Members come from all walks of life, occupations and backgrounds. JFAO provides opportunities for young people of all backgrounds, but especially those in rural Ontario, to take on the challenge of exploring their individual talents and potential to develop personally while being involved in improving their communities, networking, and having fun. Members are guided by the motto “Self Help and Community Betterment”, and the mission “to build future rural leaders through self help and community betterment,” as they conduct positive social and educational activities which satisfy their personal needs and interests while conducting service projects which meet the needs of their community. Programs and opportunities provided by JFAO and its affiliated clubs help to develop in members a sense of social and environmental responsibility, the ability to provide effective leadership, and an awareness of good citizenship within the community and world around them.