Next week ranchers, growers and industry reps will walk into 550 classrooms across Canada to share their knowledge of agriculture with thousands of grade school students.
The outreach effort is part of Canadian Agriculture Literacy Week, an Agriculture in the Classroom event sponsored by Farm Credit Canada.
“What better way to get young people involved and learn more about agriculture than through Canadian Agriculture Literacy Week,” said FCC vice-president Ron Podblieski in a statement.
“The industry is diverse and full of opportunity. At FCC, we’re committed to increasing students’ ag literacy today as part of our long-term commitment to the future of agriculture.”
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This year, volunteers in nine provinces, with the exception of New Brunswick, will participate in ag literacy week. Farmers and ag industry representatives will talk to students and take part in hands-on activities to help students understand the who, what, where and how of Canadian agriculture.
“Each student receives a bookmark that has a biodegradable, plantable panel that students can plant to grow wild flowers in their gardens,” said Johanne Ross, Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba executive director. “Teachers get a book bag full of various resources to be used in the classroom to continue the learning.”
Started in 2012, the Ag in the Classroom initiative is quickly gaining traction with schools and teachers. Last year, 20 Manitoba schools signed up for Ag Literacy Week. This year, students at 40 Manitoba schools in Grade 3-5 will participate in the program.
