Message from the President

It is an honour to be elected president of Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba (AITC-M) and to be asked to lead an organization that has such an important mission – helping raise awareness and knowledge of the importance agriculture and farmers play in our day-to-day lives.

The organization is strong and we are growing.  We have a terrific Board of Directors with a wide range of talents and skills sets and a Board Executive Team that is truly committed to making the organization stronger.  I would like to thank our new executive for stepping into these important roles and supporting me and the organization going forward.  Our current executive is:  Vice-President, Brian Kenyon; Treasurer, Bob Bartley; Secretary Kelly Funke and Past President, Ellen Pruden.

Of course, our professional staff – lead by Executive Director, Johanne Ross – is among the most dedicated crew of people I know and together with the support of our enthusiastic volunteer base and our donors, we look forward to the challenge of bringing an accurate, balanced and current message about agriculture to students and teachers across the province of Manitoba.

The programs we offer throughout Manitoba have become increasingly popular. And never before has there been such a need to tell agriculture’s story, particularly to those who have never been exposed to farming, rural communities or agriculture. It is pretty clear there is a growing urban/rural divide and this has led to poor knowledge and understanding among students and teachers of where their food comes from and why agriculture is so important.  Our goal is to change that.

We recently completed a strategic planning process that has helped us refocus the organization, outline a path for continued growth, explore opportunities for new programming, and propose new ways to ensure our continued financial stability and growth.

The AITC-M brand is recognized for its outstanding programming and experiential learning.  This is creating demand that, at times, is hard for us to meet.  But we rarely say “no” to a new project if it fits within our mandate and can strengthen our ability to nurture the minds of Manitoba students and expose them to both the challenges and the impressive accomplishments of agriculture in this province.

There are many, new programs and opportunities to tell our story and share agricultural messaging – including a gardening in schools project and the expansion of our very popular Made in Manitoba Breakfast program to name just a couple.  Please take the time to explore our website and find out what we’ve been up to and what we have to offer.

Our goal is always to expand our reach and continue to grow the overall number of students and teachers that we reach.  Most important in helping us achieve our goals are our many partners and supporters.  The farm and commodity groups who support Ag in the Classroom are invaluable.  Their active participation – in addition to financial support – is what makes our programming ‘real.’   Thank you to each and every supporter for continuing to partner with AITC-M as we seek to fulfill our mission. We couldn’t do it without you.

As always, we remain open to dialogue and feedback on any facet of our work, so please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of our Board or staff should you have questions about our programs.  Or even better, why not take the time to take in one of our many events – whether as an observer or a volunteer?  I can guarantee you will walk away with a smile on your face and feel positive about the impact we are having on students and teachers in Manitoba.

Sincerely,

Trish Jordan

President

Vision Statement

Agriculture in the Classroom – Manitoba Inc. will lead in the development and distribution of accurate, balanced and current information for use as education resources in school curriculum.

Our organization will promote the development of critical thinking skills, related to the businesses of agriculture, food, bioproducts, and life sciences, in all Manitoba students. In co-ordination with commodity and related- industry organizations, AITC-M’s programming, events, and services will further develop future decision-makers and entrepreneurs.

Objectives

To enhance awareness of agriculture in Manitoba schools;

To develop an appreciation and awareness of the importance of agriculture,socially and economically;

To explain the process of food and fibre production from farm to consumer;

To promote interest in agriculture;

To provide a supporting role to Manitoba Education, Youth and Citizenship in the linkage of accurate agriculture resources to existing course curriculum;

To develop resource and programs with the guidance and expertise from agriculture and education communities.

By-laws
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