The Manitoba government is celebrating Agriculture Awareness Day by partnering with Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba (AITC-M) to deliver programming to 7,400 Manitoba students about the importance of agriculture, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“Today is about celebrating the Manitobans who work hard every day to produce high quality food,” said Kostyshyn. “Agriculture is one of Manitoba’s leading industries and it’s growing. Our government is excited to partner with Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba to teach young people more about where our food comes from and how they can get involved in the future of agriculture.”
AITC-M is a non-profit charitable organization with a mandate to connect students with agriculture through innovative curriculum-based programs and resources. AITC-M partners with producers and the agriculture industry to provide teaching tools and resources to educators and students.
“Support from partners in government and industry who believe in our mission has been instrumental in expanding our reach and impact,” says Katharine Cherewyk, executive director, Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba. “Together we are inspiring the next generation to understand and value the industry that feeds Manitoba and the world. Our mission has never been more vital. Our programs and resources address misinformation and provide educators with the tools they need to inspire future consumers, voters and leaders. We are committed to leading public trust in agriculture and influencing its success and sustainability for generations to come.”
AITC-M’s flagship program, Canadian Agricultural Literacy Month, links students to food producers and leaders in the agriculture industry to teach the importance of the sector for communities from coast to coast and the impact it has on all Canadians’ lives, the minister noted.
This year, 155 agriculture industry volunteers will visit 345 urban and rural English and French-speaking grade 2, 3 and 4 classrooms across the province to share their experience and stories and participate in hands-on agriculture-themed activities.
In 2005, Manitoba established Agriculture Awareness Day to promote greater awareness of the contributions agriculture makes to the province and the industry’s role as a key driver of the Manitoba economy.
For more information on Manitoba’s agriculture programs and services, visit https://manitoba.ca/agriculture/.