March is Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (CALM).

Visits will be virtual again this year, with agriculture industry volunteers visiting 501 classrooms, reaching 11,430 students.

“We really feel this is cause for a celebration,” said Sue Clayton, AITC-M’s Executive Director. “In a year where ‘virtual fatigue’ is a real thing, we were prepared to see the numbers go the other way, but that hasn’t been the case at all.”

This year, more students than ever are registered to participate in hand-on activities, read a book related to agriculture, and welcome a volunteer into their class. CALM has continued to grow, year-after-year, with 9,203 students participating last year, a 24% increase.

Teachers will also receive some resources this year with the theme, 'It All Starts with a Seed'. Grade 1-2 teacher will receive the new Sprout Head Mini Grow Kit, while grade 3-6 teachers will get the Manitoba Seed Kit. The Manitoba Seed Kit features seeds from 15 prominent Manitoba crops, as well as a video and hands-on activities for students to do in the classroom.

“AITC-M feels so incredibly fortunate to be able to bring so many amazing volunteers and teachers together for this annual learning opportunity,” added Clayton. “We envision a future where all students graduating from high school are agriculturally literate. Giving students opportunities to learn where their food comes from is integral to achieving our vision.”

AITC-M is also hosting a stop on Agriculture in the Classroom Canada’s Great Canadian Farm Tour on March 15 at Smith Family Seeds in Pilot Mound.