(April 18, 2008) – Agriculture is a huge part of rural communities across Manitoba and with help from Agriculture in the Classroom – Manitoba Inc. and some generous farmers agriculture is giving back.

A great partnership has been developed between Agriculture in the Classroom – Manitoba (AITC-M) and a group of community minded farmers in the Selkirk area to offer a new program called Crops in Class.  This program is a unique combination of agriculture education, and community philanthropy. On April 22nd, 2008 the program will be launched to the grade five students at East Selkirk Middle School. 

The Crops in Class program brings together hands on education with a fundraising project led by a group of local farmers.  Spring will see these farmers donating their land, time and machinery to plant a crop specifically for the grade five students of East Selkirk Middle School.  As the crop grows, students will be following along with several curriculum specific activities that will help them learn about agriculture and where their food comes from. 

In addition to the land, time and equipment use being donated by local farmers many of the inputs are also being donated by generous agriculture companies across the industry.  Overall, this project is an excellent example of how the agricultural community can pull together to educate today’s youth and support local projects. 

“Getting involved with Manitoba schools and helping students understand the importance of agriculture in their daily lives is what the Agriculture in the Classroom program is all about,” said Johanne Ross, executive director of Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba. “AITC-M’s goal is to put a face to agriculture through all of their programs and this one is a perfect example.  We are very excited to be able to work with such a great group of farmers on this new project.”

Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba Inc. is a non-profit organization supported by individuals and the agriculture industry.  Its mandate is to cultivate an interest in agriculture. 

-30-

Media are invited to attend these events.  Please contact us to make arrangements.

For more information, please contact:

Johanne Ross - Executive Director

Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba Inc.

(866) 487-4029

(204) 867-0437 (cell)

johanne@aitc.mb.ca