MONTAGUE, PE, June 9, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is working with industry to help raise awareness, understanding and appreciation of agriculture among young Canadians. The agriculture and food sector is one of Canada's key growth industries and the opportunities for youth are endless.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, Lawrence MacAulay, announced today a one-year investment of up to $567,786 for Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) to develop and deliver educational resources about the agriculture and agri-food sector to primary and secondary students across the country, and to promote career opportunities in the sector.
This federal investment is funded through Growing Forward 2's AgriCompetitiveness Program, under the Fostering Business Development stream, which supports activities that nurture entrepreneurial capacity in the agriculture sector through the development of young and established farmers, farm safety, skills, and leadership.
Quotes
"Educating students about the importance of agriculture will contribute to a stronger, sustainable, Canadian agricultural industry. This initiative will provide students with information about the importance of agriculture in Canada and will help create opportunities to empower young future leaders in the sector."
- Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"We are absolutely delighted with this new partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through Growing Forward 2, to champion agriculture education across the nation. AITC-C's inquiry-based, curriculum -linked resources and initiatives, delivered through its provincial member organizations, will affect real advancement in the sharing of Canada's agriculture and food story. This funding will assist AITC-C to capitalize on Canadians' interest in how their food is produced, by providing accurate, balanced and current teaching tools on our agri-food system."
- Christa Wright, Chair of Agriculture in the Classroom Canada and Coordinator of AITC for Newfoundland and Labrador
Quick Facts
- Agriculture in the Classroom Canada is a national, not-for-profit organization that has been operating across the country since February 1, 2015, delivering accurate, balanced and current, curriculum‐linked resources on the agriculture and food industry.
- Canada's agriculture and food industry is a key driver of the Canadian economy and a high-performing sector in today's global marketplace, contributing over $100 billion annually to the GDP and employing one out of every eight Canadians.
Associated Links
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture
SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Guy Gallant, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, 613-773-1059; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972; Johanne Ross, Executive Director, Agriculture in the Classroom -- Canada, 204-867-0437, [email protected]
Share this article