**** AGRICULTURE Media Release
Students Learn about Growing Food Locally
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Nova Scotia farmers will help students understand the importance of growing food locally during Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month, beginning Monday, March 1.
The campaign, which encourages students in all grades to learn and celebrate Canada’s agriculture, began in Nova Scotia and is marking its 10th anniversary.
“A thriving agriculture sector is critical to supporting a stronger economy in Nova Scotia,” said Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell. “By hearing stories of how our food is grown, students will better understand the importance of producing food locally and learn about career opportunities in agriculture at the same time.”
This year, students in Grade 3 will take part in an interactive project where they learn about growing produce from seeds. It will include virtual visits from farmers and a new video series featuring Frank Oulton, a Grade 8 student whose parents own Taproot Farms in Starr’s Point, Kings Co.
Students in Grade 4 will learn about the aquaculture industry through a partnership with the Centre for Oceans Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) in Dartmouth.
Quotes:
“This year marks an important milestone for the invaluable work done by Agriculture in the Classroom Canada. I wholeheartedly support their mission to engage our youth in the great story our farmers have to tell about how our food is made. Hopefully more Canadians will see the exciting and fulfilling career opportunities in the agriculture sector. Agriculture in the Classroom is helping to close the gap between urban and rural, which is more important than ever, and our government will continue to support them in this vital work.”
– Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Quick Facts:
— Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month aims to connect students with farmers and other agricultural professionals
— Agriculture in the Classroom – Nova Scotia helps students learn where their food comes from, the importance of agriculture, and careers in the industry
Additional Resources:
Agriculture in the Classroom: http://aitc-canada.ca/en-ca/
Mystery Seed videos: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwLZ9YtgHtLA6ylv1hmQuYqSyfmifXg7M
Taproot Farms: http://taprootfarms.ca/
Centre for Oceans Ventures and Entrepreneurship: http://coveocean.com/
