MEDIA RELEASE: Saskatchewan farmers challenged to invest in the future of their farms with Acres for Education campaign.

For Immediate Release

Saskatchewan farmers challenged to invest in the future of their farms with Acres for Education campaign

Saskatoon, SK – October 25, 2023 – Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan’s (AITC-SK) is excited to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Acres for Education campaign, an initiative aimed at providing educational opportunities for today’s youth to connect with agriculture.

The Acres for Education campaign highlights 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. By engaging students in agriculture education initiatives, AITC-SK strives to inspire them to care about our food system, build understanding and support for modern farming practices, and expose students to the diversity of careers in an exciting and rewarding industry.

“Students today will soon graduate and begin making decisions related to their career pathway,” says Sara Shymko, Executive Director of AITC-SK. “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’s unique approach challenges farmers to donate 10 cents per acre of land they farm to agriculture education, boasting the catchy tagline of “10 cents makes sense, invest in the future of agriculture.” The challenge empowers individuals from around the province to contribute to the vitality and success of their farms and ranches by investing in the education of youth today. To kickstart this ambitious campaign, Saskatchewan farmers have already donated and committed to helping build a strong future for agriculture through positive student experiences.

"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," says Kristjan Hebert, President of the Hebert Group. "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 ambitious goal of $250,000 which represents 2.5 million acres of Saskatchewan farmland being donated. An initial goal of $150,000 provides funds for AITC-SK to keep up with the current teacher demand. This includes replenishing stock of the organization’s highly sought-after learning kit resources and having the capacity to fulfill program requests. The aspiring $250,000 campaign goal would amplify AITC-SK’s impact to the next level with new initiative development to capture even more opportunities throughout a student's education journey to connect to agriculture. The goal may seem bold but with over 37 million acres of farmed land in the province, donations for approximately 7% of the acres would transform the agriculture education landscape for our youth.

To be a part of the solution for a strong agriculture future, donate to the Acres for Education campaign by visiting aitc.sk.ca/acresforeducation. A charitable receipt will be issued with all donations. Saskatchewan agriculture can come together to cultivate a brighter future for tomorrow's leaders through education. Follow along on social media with #AcresForEducation.

Acres for Education Media Event

Media is invited to join one of AITC-SK's experiential agriculture programs in Saskatoon to witness the next generation of consumers, innovators, and decision-makers learning about our food system through hands-on learning experiences.

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Grades 5 to 8 urban students

Sask Food Story Program

Wednesday, November 1st at 9:30 am to 11:40 am

9:30 - 9:45 Registration

9:45 - 11:30 Student groups rotate through three learning stations.

11:30 - 11:40 Wrap Up

Rayner Dairy Research and Teaching Facility

101 E Rd, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C1

Capture photos and video of urban students learning about food security, dairy production and technology, and careers in agriculture through fun, engaging learning experiences at a working dairy barn.

About Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan

Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK) is building a foundation for future success by inspiring the next generation of big thinkers and decision-makers to grow into our agricultural leaders of tomorrow. As a registered charity, AITC-SK partners with the agriculture and education communities to connect kids and agriculture through innovative, experiential, and curriculum-based programs and resources. Last year AITC-SK provided 259,460 student experiences to 72,653 students from 618 schools in 247 communities in the province.

To learn more, visit www.aitc.sk.ca or follow our story:

About Hebert Grain Ventures (HGV):

HGV is a progressive 30,000-acre grain and oilseed farm in Moosomin, SK. Part of The Hebert Group family of agricultural businesses, HGV is built on the belief that it leaves the land, the community and the financial statements in a better state for future generations. You can learn more about the Hebert Group at www.hebertgroup.com.