***** News Release from Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba *****

July 17, 2023 (Winnipeg, MB) – Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba (AITC-M) is thrilled to announce an extraordinary multi-year funding commitment from Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA), a prominent partner dedicated to enhancing agricultural literacy across Manitoba. MCA has pledged $185,000 to support AITC-M over the next three years, solidifying their position as a champion of agriculture education in the region.

“This remarkable investment by Manitoba Crop Alliance fills us with excitement and gratitude, “says Katharine Cherewyk, Executive Director of AITC-M. “Multi-year funding commitments empower us to chart an ambitious and strategic growth plan that addresses crucial areas: reducing teacher wait lists, developing new high-quality learning kits, and measuring our impact of public trust through programs and resources.”

AITC-M envisions a future where students possess the critical thinking skills to evaluate agriculture, explore exciting career prospects, and make informed decisions that contribute to the success of the agri-food industry. MCA shares this vision, making their commitment even more meaningful.

“We are proud to support the outstanding work AITC-M does to teach students about our vibrant and vital industry,” says MCA CEO Pam de Rocquigny. “This multi-year commitment reflects our belief in the value of agriculture education and the importance of maintaining and expanding these valuable programs and resource offerings.”

As a foundational sponsor, MCA has played a vital role in the development of popular AITC-M resources. Their support has made resources like the Manitoba Seed Kit possible — an engaging, hands-on tool designed for Grade 3-6 classrooms to introduce students to the diversity of crops grown in Manitoba. Additionally, their expertise was critical to the creation of the Foundations of Manitoba Agriculture virtual resource hub — a comprehensive collection of interactive courses and information sheets for K-12 classrooms, fostering a meaningful connection to food and where it comes from.

The multi-year commitment will start during the 2023/24 financial year and extend until 2025/26, ensuring sustained support for AITC-M’s mission. As we celebrate this significant investment from MCA, we encourage other organizations to follow suit and make multi-year commitments that drive the advancement of agriculture education.

To learn more about Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba and its transformative initiatives, please visit aitc.mb.ca. For additional information about MCA, please visit mbcropalliance.ca.

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TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW, CONTACT:

John Gaudes
Communications Manager
Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba
204-297-6259
john@aitc.mb.ca

Cole Christensen
Communications Manager
Manitoba Crop Alliance
403-589-3529
cole@mbcropalliance.ca

About AITC-M:
Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba connects educators and students from K to 12 with curriculum-based programs, learning activities and educational resources designed to learn more about the important role agriculture plays in their everyday lives. AITC-M has been in operation since 1988 and is a member of Agriculture in the Classroom-Canada.

About Manitoba Crop Alliance:
Manitoba Crop Alliance is a non-profit organization established Aug. 1, 2020, representing over 7,700 farmer members. Manitoba Crop Alliance puts their farmer members first and strives to continuously improve the competitiveness and profitability of all crops represented by the organization by focusing on four main areas: research, agronomy, market access and development, and communications. It is through investment in these key areas that Manitoba Crop Alliance can ensure wheat, barley, corn, sunflower and flax are sustainable production choices for Manitoba farmers. For more information, visit mbcropalliance.ca.