By Alice McFarlane

Saskatchewan farmers challenged to support the Acres for Education campaign

Oct 27, 2023 | 4:52 PM

A new initiative is supporting educational opportunities for youth to connect with agriculture.

Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK) launched Acres for Education campaign to highlight the importance of education in igniting a passion and interest in agriculture. The next generation of consumers and agriculture leaders, innovators, and employees are in classrooms today, and AITC-SK has identified students as the key to a sustainable and resilient agriculture future.

AITC-SK Executive Director Sara Shymko said engaging students in agriculture education initiatives will inspires them to care about the food system, build understanding and support for modern farming practices, and expose them to a diversity of careers in an exciting and rewarding industry.

“Students today will soon graduate and begin making decisions related to their career pathway,” Shymko said in a news release. “It is crucial that they have agricultural touchpoints throughout their education journey, to inspire understanding of our food system and support for our producers.”

The campaign asks farmers to donate 10 cents per acre of land they farm to agriculture education.

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To kickstart the ambitious campaign, Saskatchewan farmers have already donated and committed to helping build a strong future for agriculture through positive student experiences, according to Kristjan Hebert, President of the Hebert Group.

“There is a lot of talk about the looming labour crisis in agriculture, and now we need action. We can’t leave it up to others to solve this problem. As producers, we need to get involved in finding solutions,” Hebert said. “One way we can do that is to donate monetarily, but just as important, is connecting with your local schools so kids can visit your farm and have memorable experiences that may impact future career choices.”

Acres for Education has an initial goal of $150,000 just to meet the existing demand for the learning kits and classroom presentations.

A new initiative would fill the gap for some agriculture programming at the middle year and high school level for an additional $100,000 making the total campaign goal $250,000.

Information on donating can be found at aitc.sk.ca/acresforeducation.

A charitable receipt will be issued with all donations.

Last year AITC-SK provided 259,460 student experiences to 72,653 students from 618 schools in 247 communities in the province.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW