AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM RECEIVES GRANTS FROM PROVINCE

Released on April 27, 2005

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food is making another investment in the province's agriculture industry by providing $80,000 to Agriculture in the Classroom Sask. Inc. (AITC), a non-profit organization that creates awareness among teachers and school children of the importance of agriculture to society.

"Most children don't have the exposure to agriculture that children did 30 and 40 years ago when they grew up on a farm or when they'd spend holidays with grandparents or aunts and uncles on the farm," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "Most urban children don't have the opportunity to experience farm life, and, in many cases, are not familiar with where their food comes from. The work of AITC is helping to change that."

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food has provided AITC with an operating grant of $50,000, as well as a one-time grant of $30,000 for programs. "This is another investment in keeping with the government's focus on providing quality education and training, along with opportunities, for Saskatchewan's young people," Wartman said.

"AITC is pleased with the grants from Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food," AITC President John Serhienko said. "The additional funding will help AITC to maintain its office and full-time staff in Saskatoon, as well as to develop new programming that will emphasize the opportunities available for young people in agricultural careers."

AITC was established in Saskatchewan in 1994 by numerous Saskatchewan farm organizations - such as the United Grain Growers (now Agricore United), Dairy Producers Co-operative (now Dairy Farmers of Saskatchewan), and the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool - that were concerned about declining public awareness of the importance of agriculture and food. Thirty agriculture industry members in Saskatchewan continue to support AITC and its motto: raising awareness and growing knowledge.

Over the years, AITC has initiated and delivered programs such as the AITC Summer Road Show, Careers Expo, Youth Vision, and Grow Up With Safety, and has published materials which are distributed to schools. For more information about Agriculture in the Classroom Sask. Inc., contact the office in Saskatoon at (306) 933-5224.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306)787-4031

John Serhienko Agriculture in the Classroom Blaine Lake Phone: (306)497-3594