Farmers Cultivate Food Facts in Students

Nova Scotia farmers are visiting classrooms across the province to help students learn the importance of growing food locally. The visits mark Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month, which begins today, March 1.

“Students are learning the importance of growing and eating healthy food here in Nova Scotia,” said Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow. “A visit from a farmer inspires classrooms of students to learn more about food production and the opportunities to become involved in this industry in the future.”

About 75 volunteers from the agriculture and aquaculture industries will visit 186 grades 3 and 4 classrooms this month – a total of about 4,000 students. Visits will be virtual or in-person, based on public health restrictions at the time.

Grade 3 students will take part in an interactive project in which they learn about growing produce from seeds. Students in Grade 4 will learn about the aquaculture industry through a partnership with the Centre for Oceans Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) in Dartmouth.

A Nova Scotia farm will also participate in The Great Canadian Farm Tour, in which each province will host a live, virtual farm tour. Taproot Farms in Kings County will be one of many different types of farms across the country taking part. Teachers and students in Nova Scotia and across Canada will be able to watch and ask questions.

Quotes:

“Now more than ever, young Canadians are curious about where their food comes from. It’s important that they connect with farmers and feel a pride and appreciation for the care that farmers have for their land and crops. I join you in celebrating Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month and congratulate the dedicated team at Agriculture in the Classroom Canada for another successful year.”

– Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“It is exciting to be included in this national farm tour. Having the opportunity to share with youth across the country what we do on our farm here in Nova Scotia is an honour. I am thrilled that so many teachers have signed up to bring agriculture to the classroom.”

– Patricia Bishop, Taproot Farms, Port Williams

Quick Facts:

• Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month aims to connect students with farmers and other agricultural professionals
• aquaculture education was added to Nova Scotia’s Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month activities in 2021, reflecting the industry’s growth as a local food source
• Agriculture in the Classroom – Nova Scotia helps students learn where their food comes from, the importance of agriculture, and careers in the industry
• so far, almost 200 teachers and 3,000 students are registered from Nova Scotia schools to participate in the virtual farm tours

Additional Resources:

Agriculture in the Classroom Canada: https://aitc-canada.ca/en-ca/

Agriculture in the Classroom – Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/programs/agriculture-in-the-classroom-programs/