Agriculture is a vital sector in Canada, and within it lies a wealth of diverse and rewarding career opportunities. Recognizing this, Agriculture in the Classroom New Brunswick (AITC-NB), a branch of the national organization AITC-Canada, is diligently working to highlight these pathways for students through its innovative Agriculture Canada Career Focus Program. Delivered by the Agriculture Alliance of New Brunswick (AANB), AITC-NB is dedicated to providing educators and students with accurate, science-based resources that link agriculture and agri-food to the curriculum, inspiring the next generation of agricultural professionals in New Brunswick.
AITC-NB is spearheaded by Charlotte Flores, Manager, and Michelle Landry, Coordinator, both former teachers who bring their passion for agriculture and sustainability to the forefront of this initiative. Their mission is clear: to equip teachers with the necessary tools and resources to integrate agriculture into classrooms across all grade levels. Building upon the success of established programs like Little Green Thumbs, Little Green Sprouts, and Spuds in Tubs, AITC-NB is continually expanding its reach and impact.
One exciting example of this expansion is the partnership with multicultural associations to deliver the Spuds in Tubs program during summer camps. This initiative not only introduces newcomers to a significant aspect of New Brunswick’s cultural heritage – the potato – but also fosters a connection to the land and local agriculture. By extending the program to daycares, AITC-NB ensures a continuous learning experience, with children planting potatoes in the spring and summer campers tending to and harvesting the crops. The program aims to further enrich this experience by providing families with recipes, strengthening the link between culture, community, and locally grown food.
Looking ahead, AITC-NB is actively planning for Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month in March 2023, aiming to build on the successes of previous years, including their pollinator partnership initiative. However, a key focus for the 2022-23 school year is the agriculture canada career focus program. This program is designed to illuminate the vast array of career options within the agricultural sector and their profound impact on the Canadian economy and society.
“A significant part of our career focus is showcasing the diverse opportunities available right here in New Brunswick,” explains Charlotte Flores. “We want students to understand the extensive network of supporting jobs within agri-food – a sector that accounts for one in eight careers in Canada. Our goal is to demonstrate that these fulfilling and essential jobs are accessible in New Brunswick, encouraging young people to consider building their futures and contributing to this vital field within our province.”
To achieve this, AITC-NB is implementing several key initiatives under the agriculture canada career focus program:
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Think Ag Expo: This expo for high school students provides a hands-on experience for exploring agricultural careers. Students can participate in career quizzes to identify their interests and engage directly with farmers, farm equipment suppliers, and professionals from various agri-food services. This direct interaction provides invaluable insights into the realities of agricultural careers.
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Valorēs Video Series: In collaboration with Valorēs, a renowned applied science and research institute, AITC-NB is producing two videos highlighting the institute’s cutting-edge work in agriculture and aquaculture. These videos will showcase the scientific and technological advancements within the sector, appealing to students interested in STEM fields.
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3, 2, 1 Action Project: This innovative Grade 10 project challenges students to develop a marketing campaign centered around the theme “Agriculture is…”. Students will create a 30-second video and poster, allowing them to express their understanding of agriculture through a creative lens. This project not only encourages research and critical thinking about agriculture but also equips students with valuable marketing skills, guided by mentors from marketing companies, universities, and the agricultural sector.
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Career Case Initiative: AITC-NB is leveraging AITC-Canada’s Career Case, an engaging career development game designed to illustrate the breadth and significance of careers in agriculture and food. This interactive tool provides students with a fun and accessible way to learn about different career paths and the skills required for each.
These initiatives under the agriculture canada career focus program demonstrate AITC-NB’s commitment to not only educating students about agriculture but also actively guiding them towards future career opportunities within the sector.
To further support educators and students, AITC-NB has launched a new, user-friendly website (www.aitc-aec-nb.ca). This website serves as a comprehensive resource hub, offering curriculum-linked activities and lessons searchable by grade level, subject, and learning outcome. A valuable feature of the website is the growing farmer contact list, designed to connect teachers with farmers and secondary producers for field trips, classroom talks, or virtual interactions. This direct connection to industry professionals provides students with real-world perspectives and enhances their understanding of modern agriculture.
For farmers interested in contributing to agricultural education and joining the contact list, AITC-NB encourages them to reach out via their website or by contacting Charlotte and Michelle directly at 506-889-3455 or [email protected].
Through the agriculture canada career focus program and its various initiatives, AITC-NB is playing a crucial role in cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders and ensuring a vibrant future for the Canadian agriculture sector. By bridging the gap between the classroom and the field, AITC-NB is inspiring students to explore the diverse and rewarding career paths available within this essential industry.
