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Canadian Agriculture Literacy Week returns

February 28, 2013  By Farm Credit Canada


Feb. 28, 2013, Milton, ON – Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) organizations will participate in the second annual Canadian Agriculture Literacy Week (CALW) in schools across the nation the week of March 3rd to 9th, 2013.
 
CALW is a hands-on program that encourages students to learn about and celebrate agriculture in various ways, including reading books about farming, watching videos and/or meeting with farmers and other agricultural representatives. An important element to the success of the CALW is the connection between students and concepts illustrating that ‘agriculture is food is health.’
 
This year, Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc. (OAFE) will deliver CALW programs in over 60 elementary and secondary classrooms across Ontario.  OAFE Teacher Ambassadors will provide lessons and activities to elementary students using a variety of tools and resources to explore local food, healthy eating, and rural communities. At the secondary level, Teacher Ambassadors will team up with 4-H Ambassadors to investigate innovative technologies and research in agriculture, and explore some of the many exciting career opportunities within the agricultural sector.
 
“Building on the excitement of last year’s event, we are again thrilled to participate in Canadian Agriculture Literacy Week this year,” said Colleen Smith, Executive Director of Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc. (OAFE). “This dedicated week provides a well deserved focus on agriculture not currently designated in the Ontario curriculum.  Educators and students are consumers … and part of the same general public that faces many options when it comes to considering healthy eating issues.  We are not only providing critical thinking platforms to discuss agri-food topics, but exploring some of the leading edge, technology driven job opportunities in the sector”.
 
This initiative is made possible through generous core funding from Farm Credit Canada.
 
“Never has Canadian agriculture mattered more to Canada and the world,” said Ron Podbielski, FCC Vice-President, Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility. “And, what better way to get young people involved and learn more about agriculture than through Canadian Agriculture Literacy Week. The industry is diverse and full of opportunity. At FCC, we’re committed to increasing students’ ag literacy today as part of our long term commitment to the future of agriculture.”
 
For more information, visit www.fcc.ca.


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