The federal and Ontario governments invest up to $3 million to help AgScape bring ag-related innovation and education across the province.
By Andrew Joseph, Farms.com; Photo by Chris Burgett on Unsplash
AgScape, headquartered in Milton, Ontario, has announced it will be receiving up to $3 million from the governments of Canada and Ontario to help it continue bringing innovative agriculture and food education across the province and hopefully inspire people to consider a career in the sector.
AgScape is a charitable organization providing factual, balanced, and curriculum-linked agriculture and food literacy programs and resources to Ontario’s educators and students. As one of 10 provincial members of Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C), AgScape collaborates with AITC-C to ensure every youth in Ontario has an agriculture and food education experience.
AgScape is receiving up to $1.6 million in funding under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) over the next four years for our project titled “Engaging Youth in Growing a Sustainable Future.”
Project initiatives include curriculum-linked lessons delivered in classrooms, thinkAG Career Competitions engaging students in hands-on activities with industry partners, Virtual Field Trips, adult professional development, and resource development and distribution. These activities will empower Ontario youth and educators to understand their relationship with Ontario’s agriculture and food system and inspire interest in related careers while stimulating critical thinking and dialogue.
AgScape is also partnering with the governments of Canada and Ontario on a new initiative to increase awareness of the importance and diversity of career opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sector across Ontario with up to $1.4 million in funding.
With a focus on attracting young, innovative talent, this initiative seeks to revolutionize perceptions and promote the vast array of career pathways available in Ontario's agriculture, food, and food processing industries.
One project will ensure that agricultural society fairs across Ontario have the opportunity to receive resources for a dedicated booth with engaging resources to showcase the breadth and depth of career opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sectors.
A second project will be centered around an interactive installation at select fairs and career events that will engage individuals interested in exploring careers in the agriculture and agri-food industry. Participants will explore career paths based on their interests and skills, empowering young people to make informed decisions about their future.
“Our young people are the future of the agriculture and agri-food sector, but many don’t get the chance to see all the types of jobs that are available to them. Thanks to this funding, AgScape is helping them explore the diverse career opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sector, ensuring a bright and sustainable future for Canada's agricultural industry," stated the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Added Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), “I applaud AgScape for all they do in the spirit of engaging youth in growing a sustainable future through their agriculture and food literacy programs and resources. Thanks to the support offered by this programming, youth across the province will be introduced to amazing careers in the agriculture and food industry and appreciate the value of Ontario’s food and beverage industry.”
Mira Lyonblum, Executive Director of AgScape also commented: “By partnering with us, the governments of Canada and Ontario demonstrate their dedication to fostering a new generation of food literate youth and future skilled professionals who will drive the future success and sustainability of the agriculture and agri-food sector.”
She continued, “Our collaborative work is a crucial step forward in showcasing the exciting career opportunities available, attracting diverse talent, and inspiring the next generation of industry leaders."
AgScape is funded in part by the governments of Canada and Ontario under Sustainable CAP, a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-product sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 percent federally and 40 percent provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
For more information about AgScape and its initiatives, visit www.agscape.ca.