(Alice McFarlane/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture in the Classroom

Ag in the Classroom seeding interest in urban centres

Aug 28, 2019 | 2:01 PM

Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) will be hosting a series of one-day events for urban high school students.

Through the thinkAG initiative, the non-profit organization is planning a series of events in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver this fall and winter to expose more than 1,500 urban high school students and their teachers to the long list of career opportunities in Canada’s agri-food sector.

AITC-C Executive Director Johanne Ross said the three engAGe events will show students that opportunities in agriculture extend well beyond farming and into the fields of science, technology, engineering, math, and business.

“Although agriculture accounts for one out of every eight jobs in Canada, and people have very positive opinions about the sector overall, a recent study found that only 32 per cent of people would make a point of recommending a career in the field,” Ross said.

“As one of the most significant industries to Canada’s economy, agriculture has some work to do to ensure that youth understand the many career opportunities available to them,” Ross said. “They will hear from passionate people working in this sector who want to ensure youth are aware that whether they want to work as an economist, lawyer, mechanic, doctor or graphic designer, there is a place for them in agriculture.”

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All three events will offer speakers, breakout sessions and a culinary experience.

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is the main sponsor for the events. President and CEO Michael Hoffort said engAGe is a perfect place to ignite that interest.

“Whether it’s science, technology, marketing or retail, agriculture is a great connector for people in a variety of fields,” Hoffort said. “As students consider their own career paths, engAGe is an exciting chance to discover what attracts so many people to Canada’s agriculture industry either on the farm or beyond.”

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF