Macra na Feirme is invited by the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario to send one Macra member to Canada on an exchange for up to three months from the end of May to end of August. Applications are now being accepted from interested members and should be submitted to Audrey McDonnell, Macra travel administrator. Phone 01-426 8901 or email: amcdonnell@ macra.ie by February 28 2019.

Interested candidates will be invited to attend an interview in the Macra national office in March and one candidate will be selected on the basis of: (a) ability to represent Macra; (b) perceived benefit to member; and (c) suitability of candidate for exchange.

The successful candidate must fund their own flight costs and will be hosted by members’ families of the Junior Farmers’ Association in Ontario.

Terms of the 2019 JFAO exchange

  • Number of delegates: one.
  • Minimum age: 19.
  • Maximum age: 30.
  • Arrival date: Saturday 25 May 2019 by 5pm. There will be an orientation session which delegates should attend.
  • Departure date: Sunday 25 August 2019.
  • Arrival destination: Pearson International Airport, Toronto (YYZ)*.
  • Departure destination: Pearson International Airport, Toronto (YYZ)*.
  • Language: delegates must be able to speak basic English.
  • Insurance: delegates must acquire their own health and travel insurance and send proof of insurance prior to the start of the exchange programme.

    • Itinerary

  • 25 May to 8 June: Zone 3 – Toronto, Elora Gorge.
  • 9 to 22 June: Zone 2 –Peterborough Lift Locks, Kawartha Dairy.
  • 23 June to 6 July: Zone 1 – Ottawa.
  • 7 July to 13 July: break week. Delegates travel independently.
  • 14 to 27 July: Zone 5 – Point Pelee, Fruit and vegetable farms, Canada Day.
  • 28 July to 10 August: Zone 7 – Bruce Peninsula, Lake Huron.
  • 11 to 25 August: Zone 4 – Niagara Falls, Mennonite Farms.

    • Delegates will typically move to a new host family each week. There may be times when they may spend two weeks with a family or less than a week.

    If a delegate is not participating in the entire exchange, due to the vast size of Ontario, we cannot guarantee they will see all of the attractions they may wish to see, ie if not here from 11 to 25 August they may not see Niagara Falls.

    Costs

    Delegates should expect to pay for activities, tourist attractions, etc. Hosts are encouraged to provide most meals. However, delegates are expected to pay for some meals out of the home.

    Please note the majority of the exchange will be touring and exploring Ontario. Delegates may have an opportunity to help their host families with daily chores in the farm. At no time will a delegate be reimbursed for their time as this is simply considered part of the exchange experience.

    *If a delegate is arriving or departing on dates other than those listed above, they will be financially responsible for getting to or from their host family. Please contact the director of community and international programmes (CIP) to make appropriate arrangements.

    **All activities, accommodation, etc, during break week are the responsibility of the delegate. Delegates should consult with the director of CIP before booking flights, etc.

    If you are interested in the above exchange, please contact Audrey McDonnell amcdonnell@macra.ie with your CV and a letter expressing your interest before Thursday 28 February.