WOODSTOCK – The Ontario government is investing up to $400,000 to support the increase of agri-literacy, awareness of careers in the agri-food industry and prepare students and youth who are interested in a dynamic career in the agri-food industry.
The agri-food literacy and awareness campaign is being implemented by AgScape, an organization that delivers educational tools and curriculum-linked resources for students and educators across the province.
“Ontario’s agri-food sector remains one of the most diversified in the world, with more than 49,000 farms producing over 200 commodities,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Teaching kids about where their food comes from, how it grows and how it’s made is key to growing the next generation of leaders for Ontario’s agri-food sector.”
“For 30 years, AgScape has been grateful to receive essential funding from our partners at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, empowering our team to develop innovative programs and opportunities to attract students to the world of agriculture and food,” said Kathryn Doan, Chairperson of AgScape. “The support OMAFRA has provided us this school year, has allowed us to be agile at an unprecedented time when the educational landscape continues to shift as we navigate COVID-19 realities. We are excited to share the impacts we continue to achieve together and look forward to growing opportunities to share agriculture and food with the next generation.”
This funding will help AgScape grow the Teacher Ambassador Program which engages students in agri-food career activities. The program helps develop and distribute educational resources for students and educators for virtual and in-class learning, and provides professional development opportunities for educators through the Business of Food e-learning platform to enhance their knowledge and understanding of agriculture and food.
Source : Ontario