For Immediate Release

The City is Not So Far From the Farm

(Winnipeg, MB March 18, 2009) – An adventurous group of grade 3 to 6 students are going to learn all about agriculture.  From the farm gate to the products they eat and use everyday, they will learn that Agriculture is all around you! Living in the city may feel a long way from the farm, but every day we eat, wear, drive, or touch a piece of agriculture. Agriculture in the Classroom-MB Inc. (AITC-M) will ask students: “Where is agriculture in your life?”  

A group of 65 students from Fort Rouge School will visit Agriculture in the City at the Forks Market in Winnipeg on Friday, March 20th at 9:30am.  The students will learn, explore and discover agriculture by visiting the many interactive displays from across the industry. The lucky students will participate in AITC-M’s successful Made in Manitoba Breakfast program when they arrive at the Forks, tasting delicious food products which were all produced right here in Manitoba by Manitoba farmers. These farmers will be on hand to interact with the students and serve up the food. Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz will kick off the breakfast and speak to students about the importance of agriculture in the city.

“Agriculture in the Classroom – Manitoba is dedicated to cultivating an interest in agriculture.  This is easy as agriculture is such an integral part of Manitoba’s culture and an important part of everyday life.” says executive director Johanne Ross.  “We enjoy engaging students through interactive, hands-on experiences that get them up close and personal with agriculture. We are thrilled to play a strong role at the Agriculture in the City event in Winnipeg.”

This event and the many other events AITC-M offers would not be possible if it weren’t for many great community sponsors.     

AITC-M is excited to work with several Manitoba commodity groups to bring the Made in Manitoba Breakfast program to over 4000 students all over Manitoba each year. Please visit www.aitc.mb.ca for more details.  

Everyone is invited to visit Agriculture in the City at the Forks Market and take the “Where’s Agriculture Challenge” at AITC-M’s display. Hours of the event are Friday: 9:30am – 9:00pm and Saturday/Sunday 9:30am – 6:30pm.

Agriculture in the Classroom- Manitoba Inc. is a non-profit organization supported by individuals and the agriculture industry. The organization runs several programs throughout the year including the Amazing Agriculture Adventure, The Amazing Agriculture Race, farm tours and other special events.  AITC-M also develops and distributes teacher resources to help deliver agriculture information for use within the school curriculum.

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Media are encouraged 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       www.aitc.mb.ca