Lots of young people but also plenty of constraints hinder youth going into farming.Ottawa—There is a lot of agriculture potential in First Nations communities across the country that needs encouragement and support to blossom, says Jamie Hall, General Manager of the Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario.Despite deep roots in food production, native farmers haven't been able to keep up with the prosperity that agriculture has enjoyed in recent decades because of legal constraints and other factors, Hall told the Commons agriculture committee just before the Christmas break.“With appropriate strategies, abundant but underutilized assets and resources could be harnessed to provide meaningful economic opportunities for First Nations communities, businesses and entrepreneurs across Canada,” he said.While there are vast tracts of land under First Nations' control, in many cases, “it is underutilized in terms of its economic potential, and there's a great opportunity to harness that,” he said.As land claims are settled, the amount of First Nations territory under“Between 2006 and 2014, almost 3,500 square kilometres of land were added, and with 40 per cent of Canada's landmass still under land claim, we expect that the vast quantities of land will continue to increase. We have a tremendous opportunity in terms of resources.”The First Nations also have “a young population seeking meaningful economic opportunities, and agriculture can be part of that, whether farming or agrifood,” he said.“If we look at the impact of that within the industry, it's important to consider the succession crisis that might be facing the Canadian farm industry. With the average age of producers being 55, and only 8 per cent of them having succession plans, there's an opportunity to bring two worlds together.“Similarly, regarding jobs in agriculture, according to Farm Credit Canada, about 7 per cent of agriculture jobs are unfilled, and by 2025 they estimate that 25 per cent will be unfilled,” he said. “Here we have a young, dynamic population seeking meaningful economic opportunities, and there's an opportunity to bring those two together.”A greater role for First Nations in Canadian agriculture could also help solve food security issues in their communities, he said. “Anything we do that supports the development of farms and agriculture within First Nations communities can help address food security issues and help build local food economies.”A greater role for First Nations in agriculture could also help reconciliation between them and the rest of society, he said. “As the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board outlined in its paper entitled Reconciliation: Growing Canada's Economy by $27.7 Billion, closing the gap in income between the indigenous and non-indigenous population in Canada would result in an estimated increase in GDP of $27.7 billion. Agriculture can be a big part of closing that gap. We have a tremendous opportunity.”Among the factors holding that back are limited access to credit for First Nations farmers, he said. “The Indian Act prevents individuals residing on reserve from pledging their assets as security, whether it be land, equipment or whatever else. That is an incredible roadblock to wealth creation and financing.“The farm industry has expanded in Canada based on acceleration of land values and being able to borrow against that and leverage it for further growth. That opportunity does not exist in First Nations communities.”There are about 55 aboriginal financial institutions in Canada that “don't have secure access to funding for loan capital. In our history, as times have gone on, we've run into the position where we haven't had funding available to lend out to producers.”As well too many First Nations farmers lack the education and training that other farmers possess, he said. “As well, if you think about informal training and skill development, in a robust farm economy in the countryside, either from father to son or from neighbour to neighbour, there's a vibrant agricultural economy where those who are interested can learn about farming, get experience and start to learn their trade.“In many First Nations communities—though not all—there is no ag economy,” he said. “There is, again, a lack of opportunity for informal training or skill development.” First Nations farmers also lack the ability to access state of the art technology starting with adequate Internet service.Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.