March 1, 2024 (Winnipeg, MB) – Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) and its 10 provincial partners are celebrating agriculture in classrooms across the country this month during the 13th annual Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (CALM).
With the goal of connecting students with farmers and other agriculture industry professionals, CALM is a national celebration every March to share Canada’s rich agriculture and food story with students from K to 12. AITC organizations in each province will offer uniquely different activities aimed at helping students learn about agriculture in an interactive and engaging way.
“We want to cultivate curiosity and encourage students to learn more about where their food comes from,” says Mathieu Rouleau, Executive Director of AITC-C. “CALM is a great opportunity to connect students with agriculture and share Canada’s amazing agriculture and food story.”
A new storybook, All The Farmers You Will Know, will be introduced to younger students during CALM. Written by WS Marketing, it highlights the wonders of the modern farm and the farmers and families who work and live on them. Youth are encouraged to visit www.iamthefuture.ca to use an interactive new video tool to see themselves in a career in agriculture and food.
Last year, AITC partners from coast to coast created over 184,000 student experiences during CALM. Hundreds of industry volunteers will visit classes across Canada again this March to share presentations, activities and personal stories to help students learn more about agriculture. Cargill is the presenting partner for CALM and a valued supporter of AITC-C.
“The education of the next generation of agricultural leaders is vital in maintaining Canada’s strong leadership position in the global food system,” said Jeff Vassart, President, Cargill Canada. “We at Cargill are honoured to continue our support of CALM, and we share its mission of inspiring students to pursue careers that help feed the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.”
“People who work in agriculture are passionate about what they do and proud to share their story to inspire the next generation,” says AITC-C's Rouleau. “We are grateful for our partners and volunteers as connecting young people to agriculture is an important part of strengthening our industry and growing for the future.”
With a vision to create meaningful connections to agriculture and food, AITC-C is the national advocate for agriculture education, representing a collective of 10 provincial member organizations who deliver agriculture education on the ground across Canada. AITC-C is the umbrella organization connecting the national network to facilitate sharing and collaboration and deliver accurate, balanced, and current resources. Visit www.aitc-canada.ca to learn more.
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For more information, contact:
Tracey Shelton
tshelton@aitc-canada.ca
204-995-2102