News release

Grade 3 Students Become Farmers for a Day

Agriculture

More than 300 Grade 3 students will explore traditional and modern-day farming through hands-on activities and interactive sessions with representatives from the agricultural sector.

Farmer for a Day is taking place at the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm from Tuesday, Sept. 23 to Thursday, Sept. 25.

"Farmer for a Day supports the school curriculum by giving young students hands-on experience that will help shape how they view agriculture as they grow older," said Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell. "It also helps young people begin to make the connection between supporting local farmers and the food on our tables."

Students will explore where their food comes from and who produces it. Sessions include incubating chicken eggs, learning what makes a successful farmer, the importance and impact of bees, and a relay race to discover the parts of fruits and vegetables grown in Nova Scotia.

"Farmer for a Day is an excellent educational experience for Nova Scotia's students to understand what primary agriculture is all about," said Dennis Boudreau, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. "It is hoped that the informative stations will encourage these students to become interested in the agriculture lifestyle."

The Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum is owned and operated by the Cole Harbour Rural Heritage Society. The farm has been in operation for more than 200 years.

"The Cole Harbour Rural Heritage Society has been working to preserve and nourish our connections with the land for over 40 years," said Janice Kirkbright, the society's executive director. "The Farm Museum is an ideal platform for agricultural education in the city and we are delighted to be a part of the Farmer for a Day program once again."

Farmer for a Day is supported by the federal and provincial governments, the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, and affiliated commodity groups. The aim is to raise awareness about agriculture and interest in agri-food careers.