Governments Invest $1 Million to Teach Kids about Agriculture

Released on June 10, 2014

Increased funding for Agriculture in the Classroom

Today, Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced a new $1 million five-year funding agreement with Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK).  This represents a $550,000 increase in funding over the last five year period.

"Our government understands the importance agriculture plays in rural and urban communities and in Saskatchewan as a whole," said Ritz.  “By understanding modern agriculture, young people will value Saskatchewan-made products and recognize the importance of the industry to the regional, national and global economies.”

“Agriculture in the Classroom plays an important role in helping students connect with agriculture,” Stewart said.  “We are pleased to support their efforts to engage our youth in agriculture and improve their understanding of primary production and the entire agriculture industry.”

Greater public awareness about agriculture is necessary for the continued growth of the industry and to help attract youth, innovation and investment.  A vibrant agriculture industry contributes to a strong provincial economy and this leads to a better quality of life for all citizens.

The provincial government is providing $750,000, with the remaining $250,000 being provided through the federal-provincial Growing Forward 2 agreement. 

“It is the essential support that we receive from partners like the Ministry of Agriculture that allows Agriculture in the Classroom to inspire and educate tomorrow's leaders about the role of agriculture in their lives,” Agriculture in the Classroom Interim Executive Director Chantel Heintz said.  “The number of students in AITC-SK agriculture education programming increased to 26,500 in 2013, a 74 per cent increase from 2012.  This increased funding from the Ministry of Agriculture will certainly help us meet the growing demand from teachers for our programming and resources.”

Through the use of curriculum-based resources, Agriculture in the Classroom aims to increase student’s awareness and understanding of the importance of agriculture to Saskatchewan’s economy and culture.

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For more information, contact:

Angela Hall
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: angela.hall@gov.sk.ca 

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 1-866-345-7972

Jeff English
Office of Gerry Ritz
Phone: 613-773-1059