The Green Certificate Program will now be offered with no cost to High School students thanks to the Alberta Government.

Up to $400,000 will be invested into the Green Certificate Program through the partnership of Alberta Agriculture and Forestry and Alberta Education.

The  apprenticeship style program offers many courses in areas of ag such as grain farming, cow-calf, sheep, and equine.

The program costs about $1000 per student, which will now be covered by the government.

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Oniel Carlier, says the 16 credit program offers hands on training to students seeking a career in ag.

"Alberta's agriculture sector is a major contributor to a strong and diversified provincial economy. With over 43,000 farms in our province, and over 50 million acres of total farm area, it is a large and sophisticated business."

The funding will encourage new entrants to the Ag industry, as well as provide experience and training from mentors and industry leaders.

The program currently has 750 students enrolled annually, but is looking to increase this number with the new funding.

For information on the Green Certificate Program, you can visit their website.