Matching donations aim to expand farm visits, classroom programs, and agricultural learning opportunities for Saskatchewan students.
Agricultural organizations, businesses, and individuals across Saskatchewan are being encouraged to support agricultural literacy through the launch of the fourth annual Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK) Acres for Education fundraising campaign.
This year's initiative includes a matching commitment from JGL, which will match every dollar donated up to $35,000.
The campaign helps fund educational experiences that connect students with modern agriculture through classroom presentations, farm visits, agri-business tours, and agricultural events. Programs are offered at no cost to teachers, helping students gain a better understanding of food production, the people who work in the industry, and potential future careers in agriculture.
According to AITC-SK, the fundraising initiative has generated significant support since its launch. Over the last three years, the Acres for Education campaign has raised more than $175,000 and welcomed more than 40,000 Saskatchewan students to participate in programs.
In 2025, donors contributed $43,250, which was complemented by a $25,000 matching contribution from JGL. Those funds enabled more than 4,300 students to participate in farm visits or agricultural events, giving many young people an opportunity to experience agriculture firsthand.
"Every donation helps create an opportunity for a student to experience agriculture in a way they may never have otherwise," said Sara Shymko, Executive Director of Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan.
Shymko said experiences such as farm tours, meeting agricultural professionals, and learning how food moves from field to table help students build a deeper understanding of the sector and its role in everyday life. She added that the matching commitment from JGL gives donors an opportunity to double their impact.
For Saskatchewan's agriculture industry, programs that improve agricultural awareness among youth can play an important role in building future workforce connections and strengthening public understanding of farming practices. As fewer Canadians have direct ties to farming, organizations such as AITC-SK continue to focus on providing hands-on experiences that help bridge the gap between consumers and food production.
As a Saskatchewan-based company with strong ties to agriculture, JGL recognizes the importance of developing future generations' understanding of farming and food production. Its $35,000 matching commitment will help expand hands-on agricultural learning opportunities for students across the province.
"Agriculture has provided opportunities for generations of Saskatchewan families," said Shea Jameson, CEO of JGL. "We're proud to partner with Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan and support a campaign that helps students experience agriculture firsthand. By investing in agricultural education today, we build stronger connections to our industry for years to come."
The 2026 Acres for Education campaign runs from October 21 through December 31. Donations are eligible for charitable tax receipts, and every contribution will be matched by JGL up to the campaign's $35,000 matching limit.