February 28, 2024 (Winnipeg, MB) – The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) and the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) both recognized Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) as the leader in agriculture education by providing official endorsements for AITC-C at the CFA’s annual general meeting in Ottawa today. Last year, AITC-C and its 10 provincial member organizations provided over two million student learning experiences from coast to coast.

 “It is with great pleasure that we share our support for the important work that AITC-C is undertaking to educate students and teachers about agriculture,” said Keith Currie, Chair of the CFA. “Our organizations share a common vision for building public trust and helping to ensure a trusted, sustainable, and vibrant agriculture sector in Canada.” 

Currie said the CFA looks forward to continued collaboration with AITC-C and the shared commitment to promoting the importance of agriculture in Canada. For example, both organizations are committed to the National Workforce Strategic Plan for Agriculture, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, which highlights the need to educate the next generation and future workforce about the agriculture industry in Canada. 

Peggy Brekveld, Chair of CAHRC, also demonstrated her organization’s support for the important work that AITC-C is doing to educate and inspire students about agriculture.

 "The National Workforce Strategic Plan clearly points out the need for the work of Agriculture in the Classroom Canada and collaboration amongst industry to raise awareness of the opportunities in agriculture, starting with students at all levels,” says Brekveld. “CAHRC supports the great work of AITC-C on this front and it is with great pleasure that CAHRC formally supports and partners with AITC-C.”

 "Today's students will be in the workforce over the next 20 years and it is critical they understand the importance of agriculture in our economy to grow our industry in the future," said Mathieu Rouleau, Executive Director of AITC-C. “We are very grateful for the support from both CFA and CAHRC as we work together to ensure the continued sustainability of the agriculture industry and inspire the next generation to consider a career in agriculture and agri-food.”

 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. 

 About CFA

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) was formed in 1935 as a unified voice to speak on behalf of Canadian farmers. Our work continues today as a farmer-funded, national umbrella organization comprising of provincial general farm organizations and national and interprovincial commodity groups. We represent producers of all commodities, who operate farms of all sizes. Through our members we represent approximately 190,000 Canadian farm families from coast to coast.

 About CAHRC

The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) is a national, non-profit organization focused on addressing human resource issues facing agricultural businesses across Canada. The Council represents farming in all its forms: raising traditional and non-traditional livestock; producing, cultivating, growing, harvesting or collecting conventional and non-conventional agriculture commodities; and any practices performed as an integral part of an agricultural operation.

 

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For more information, contact:

Tracey Shelton