Mission Explorium 2026 National Winner Announced

Canada students shine with creative agriculture solutions in national program

Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) organized Mission Explorium 2026, a national program that helped students in Grades 6 to 8 learn about agriculture through practical activities. More than 5,300 students from across Canada participated in this program. 

Running from February to May, students were asked to design a sustainable community on a deserted island. They used creativity, critical thinking, and agricultural knowledge to solve problems related to food production, resource use, and community planning. This helped students understand how agriculture supports future food systems. 

The national winner was the Grade 6 class of Nicole Lovell from Templeton Academy in Meadows, Newfoundland. Their project stood out for its innovative ideas, strong storytelling, and clear focus on sustainable food and community systems. The class will receive an indoor garden from Plantaform to continue learning about food production. 

Before the national competition, students competed regionally.  

The 2026 Regional Champions included:  

• Region 1: Class of Robertson – Halifax, NS (Grade 6) 

• Region 2: Class of Lovell – Meadows, NL (Grade 6) 

• Region 3: Class of Grandfield – Nipawin, SK (Grade 7) 

• Region 4: Class of Chaszewski – Portage La Prairie, MB (Grade 6/7/8) 

• Region 5: Class of McCadden – Dartmouth, NS (Grade 7/8) 

• Region 6: Class of Bahuguna – Mississauga, ON (Grade 6) 

• Region 7: Class of Ferraris – Saint-Colomban, QC (Grade 6) 

• Region 8: Class of Pelchat – Truro, NS (Grade 8) 

• Region 9: Class of Pelletier – Preissac, QC (Grade 6) 

• Region 10: Class of Vincent-Racicot – Eastman, QC (Grade 6) 

• Region 11: Class of Desilets – La Broquerie, MB (Grade 6) 

“Through Mission Explorium, students are demonstrating the exact skills our future food system will rely on—critical thinking, collaboration, and a deep understanding of sustainability,” says Denise Schmidt, Executive Director of AITC-C. “Their work as agriculture and food problem solvers shows how capable and imaginative the next generation truly is.” 

Mission Explorium will return in 2027, giving more students the opportunity to explore agriculture, sustainability, and innovation through hands-on learning.

Photo Credit: AITC-C-National-Winners-Class-of-Nicole-Lovell