A new board of directors was elected recently at the 20th annual meeting of

Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba Inc. (AITC-M).

The 2009 board includes five new members, according to Executive Director Johanne Ross.

“The new board will help set our direction for the coming years,” said Ross.  “They are all dedicated, excited and committed to our mandate.”

 Scott Van Alstyne (Winnipeg) chairs the incoming board.  Joining him are:

• Ellen Pruden                      (Winnipeg)           Vice President;
• Derek Read                       (Winnipeg)           Treasurer;
• Trish Jordan                       (Winnipeg)           Secretary;
• Bob Bartley                       (Roland)              Director;
• Marlene Baskerville          (Winnipeg)           Director;
• David Day                          (Deloraine)           Director;
• Marvin Elder                      (Oak Lake)          Director;
• Kelly Funke                       (Winnipeg)           Director;
• Brian Hellegards              (Howden)             Director;
• Brian Kenyon                     (Winnipeg)           Director;
• Raymond Mangin             (Bruxelles)           Director;
• Marlene McDonald           (Winnipeg)           Director;
• Patsy Michiels                   (Brandon)            Director;
• Chris Sumner                    (Carman)             Director

AITC-M brings curriculum-based programs and resources into Manitoba schools.  Programs include farm tours, school tours, workshops and the annual major field trip, the Amazing Agriculture Adventure, which is held in both Brandon and Winnipeg.

“We’re very pleased to see new people take an interest in our activities. It is a strong indication of the strength of our organization and will benefit us as we continue to grow and add more programming for Manitoba schools,” said Ross.

AITC-M is supported by industry partners and individuals who share in the goal of helping students cultivate an interest in agriculture and to create informed consumers and policy makers of the future.

-30-

For further information, please contact:

Johanne Ross

Executive Director

Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba Inc.

1-866-487-4029

1-204-867-0437 (cell)

johanne@aitc.mb.ca

www.aitc.mb.ca