FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2025
Winnipeg, MB – Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) is proud to announce the formation of its new Board of Directors. This milestone marks the next chapter in the family of organizations' extraordinary growth, now reaching more than two million students annually across Canada.
Over the past decade, AITC-C and its ten provincial member organizations have expanded programs, strengthened partnerships, and built a movement to ensure every young Canadian understands where their food comes from and the vital role agriculture plays in our economy, environment, and communities. Growth has created new opportunities and new responsibilities, and today AITC-C is embracing them with renewed vision and energy.
The newly minted national board has been established to provide unified leadership and strategic guidance, drawing on diverse expertise from education, government, communications, advocacy, and industry. This design allows AITC’s provincial chapters to continue focusing on best-in-class delivery of educational programs, while AITC-C strengthens their efforts through organizational efficiency, national coordination, and engagement with federal stakeholders. Together, this structure ensures our voices reach classrooms from coast to coast.
Darcy Pawlik, newly elected Chairman of the Board, reflected on the importance of this moment:
“It is inspiring to see a group of passionate provincial leaders who have already built such a strong foundation take this bold step forward. Expanding their leadership circle is not just an organizational change, it is a statement of vision. It signals that we are ready to do what it takes to serve the most noble and essential of industries while ensuring we feed a hungry world. The courage to act now ensures that teachers, funders, and above all, students will continue to benefit from a stronger, unified movement that will prepare the next generation of leaders in agriculture and beyond.”
Executive Director Denise Schmidt added:
“The unity of our provincial partners was immediately evident as the new board came together in a high-energy, vision-driven first meeting. This is more than governance; it is momentum. Together, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future where every student, in every classroom, can be inspired by agriculture, empowered by knowledge, and connected to the story of food. Two million students reached is just the beginning, our future impact will be even greater as the growing AITC family builds on its successes.”
As AITC-C looks ahead, this new governance structure ensures the organization can continue to expand programs, deepen partnerships, and magnify its national impact. By working hand in hand with provincial chapters, AITC-C will help Canadian youth discover the science, innovation, and career opportunities in agriculture, while fostering a food-literate society for generations to come.
Call to Action:
AITC-C invites industry leaders, and community partners to join this growing national effort to ensure every student in Canada has the opportunity to learn about agriculture, food, and the people who make it possible. Together, we can grow a brighter future for all.
Agriculture in the Classroom Canada New Board of Directors
- Angela Bedard-Haughn, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at University of Saskatchewan
- Darcy Pawlik, CEO at Nucleus Consulting
- Ian Affleck, Vice President Plant Biotechnology at CropLife Canada
- Kelly Green, Director of Communications, Canadian Canola Growers Association
- Pamela Alexis, Former MLA and Minister of Agriculture and Food, British Columbia
- Suzanne MacNeil, Agriculture Information Officer at PEI Agriculture
- Valerie Carmichael, Community Engagement Coordinator at New Brunswick School District
About Agriculture in the Classroom Canada
Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) is a national charitable organization working with ten provincial member organizations to connect students and educators to agriculture and food. Together, AITC-C inspires curiosity, empowers educators, and builds understanding by providing curriculum-linked, science-based programs and resources that reach more than two million students annually.
For more information, visit www.aitc-canada.ca.
Media Contact:
Denise Schmidt
Executive Director
Agriculture in the Classroom Canada
director@aitc-canada.ca