News release

Students Celebrate Agriculture

Agriculture

AGRICULTURE--Students Celebrate Agriculture

  • ---------------------------------------------------------------Students are encouraged to learn about and celebrate agriculture during Canadian Agriculture Literacy Week, March 3-9.

Students will learn about agriculture by reading books about farming, watching videos and meeting with farmers and other agricultural representatives. An important element to the success of the agriculture literacy week program is the connection between students and local farmers and agriculture industry representatives.

"It is important for students to understand the significant role agriculture plays in our province's economy and appreciate the wide variety of employment opportunities that exist in this industry," said Agriculture Minister John MacDonell. "It is great to see an increasing participation of volunteers from the agricultural community to help make that happen."

Volunteers from the agricultural community will visit 100 Grade 2 and 3 classrooms across the province to read a book and talk to students about agricultural industry. The books and activities which are left in the classroom will help teachers and students explore the science and culture of farming.

Mr. MacDonell is visiting Maple Ridge Elementary School in Lantz, Hants Co. Monday, March 4, to read from Farm by Penelope Arlon and Tory Gordon-Harris.

"Having the chance to read and join these young students in the classroom is a great opportunity to spread the message on the importance of agriculture," said Dennis Boudreau, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture.

The initiative is made possible through core funding from Farm Credit Canada.

"Never has Canadian agriculture mattered more to Canada and the world," said Ron Podbielski, vice-president, communications and corporate social responsibility, Farm Credit Canada. "We're committed to increasing students' agriculture literacy today as part of our long term commitment to the future of agriculture."