March is a special time across Canada, especially for the agriculture community. It's Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month, a period dedicated to bringing young minds closer to the heart of farming, food security, and the significance of agriculture in our daily lives.
Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture, highlighted the importance of this month in his province’s House of Assembly, noting it as a crucial opportunity for students to learn and celebrate the contributions of farmers and agriculture professionals.
For the 13th consecutive year, Agriculture in the Classroom NL (AITC-NL) spearheads this initiative by organizing various activities. These events include farm visits and presentations by agriculture professionals aimed at sparking discussions on crucial topics such as food security and the intricacies of food production.
A notable highlight this year is the launch of a music video for "Little Green Sprouts," a song by the JUNO Award-winning band, The Swinging Belles. This initiative not only entertains but also educates young listeners about the joys and challenges of farming.
Additionally, the "Bee Creative Literacy Contest" encourages schools to engage creatively with agriculture by decorating beehives, a project supported by the Newfoundland and Labrador Beekeeping Association and Egg Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador.
These activities are part of the broader efforts funded by the federal-provincial Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which allocated $330,000 to support AITC-NL activities in the past year.
This partnership underscores the commitment to deepening students' understanding of their food sources and highlighting agriculture as a viable career path. Minister Loveless commends AITC-NL for their dedication and invites educators and students to participate in the enriching activities planned for the month.
Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month serves as a bridge, connecting the younger generation with the agricultural sector, emphasizing the pivotal role of agriculture in sustainable development and food security.