Agriculture is a topic that’s as deep as the Prairies are wide.
If you grew up on a farm — or are still in the field — that’s no secret to you.
Many of us regularly discuss the ins and outs of crop and livestock production, farm machinery and grain storage around the kitchen table, on coffee row or even at our local Co-op.
But not everyone has that direct connection to the farm. That’s why organizations like Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) are bringing the farm directly to youth in communities across the country — efforts Co-op is proud to support all throughout the year, including Agriculture Literacy Month in March.
Spreading the word
Every year, numerous members of the team at Co-op volunteer to bring their expertise and passion for agriculture to Western Canadian schools during Agriculture Literacy Month.
There, they bring the farm to life, answering every question — big and small — about where food comes from.
MORE: Promoting ag awareness through education
Digging deep
Getting your hands a little dirty is never a bad thing.
This past year, Co-op contributed 16,000 pounds of soil to AITC’s Little Green Thumbs Program, helping students in 124 schools across Western Canada to plant their own gardens and gain firsthand knowledge about the challenges and rewards of growing food.
Xtreme close-up
Everyone can benefit from some in-the-field learning.
Last summer, 60 children from a Saskatoon elementary school visited Co-op’s Innovation Field Trial Xtreme site, where they enjoyed hands-on learning activities related to canola, peas and wheat production.
MORE: Something for everyone at Innovation Field Trial Xtreme site
And our work isn’t done yet! Several more initiatives are in the works to promote ag literacy and put a spotlight on the immense contributions of Western Canadian farmers. To find out what we’re up to during Agriculture Literacy Month and throughout the rest of 2018, check @Coop_ag on Twitter.
Want to learn more about Agriculture Literacy Month? For details about activities in your region, as well as opportunities to volunteer, visit aitc-canada.ca. You can also follow the activity all month long using #CALM18.
