The federal and provincial governments recently announced $1.5 million over two years in renewed funding for Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan, Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK) and 4-H Saskatchewan. This funding will build public trust in agriculture and develop the next generation of agriculture leaders in Saskatchewan.
"Farmers work hard to take care of their land and animals, and, now more than ever, Canadians want to know where their food comes from," Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food said. "The projects we are funding with Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan, Ag in the Classroom Saskatchewan and 4-H Saskatchewan will help bridge the gap between consumers and food processors, to help grow these relationships and provide trustworthy sources of information."
"Our relationship with these groups stems from a shared commitment to building public trust in our agriculture industry," Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit said. "These efforts to build meaningful connections with consumers, share agricultural resources with classrooms, and prepare the next generation of agriculture leaders is essential to our thriving industry."
Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan connects consumers to food and farming through events, training and educational resources that build trust in Saskatchewan food production.
"With less than three per cent of the population having a direct tie to a farm or ranch, this funding is essential to our work to help build trust in food and farming in our province," Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan Chair Shawn Colborn said.
Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan plays a pivotal role in educating youth about agriculture through hands-on activities, engaging programs and inquiry-based educational resources.
"The next generation of consumers is sitting in classrooms across the province, with their hands enthusiastically raised," AITC-SK Executive Director Sara Shymko said. "This funding is crucial to help keep up with the demand for agricultural learning experiences in our province and ensuring we are providing opportunities to answer student's questions about where food comes from."
4-H Saskatchewan is one of Canada's largest youth organizations and provides members and leaders with learning experiences tailored to individual needs and interests through the motto "Learn To Do By Doing."
"This funding is an investment in the future of Saskatchewan agriculture," 4-H Saskatchewan's Council President Cameron Choquette said. "4-H is proud to deliver leadership programming that develops young people in our communities."
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan recognize the agriculture sector is a key economic driver and are committed to investing in organizations that help consumers understand the industry and showcase its commitment to food safety, animal health and the environment.
The two-year agreements will provide Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan with a total of $300,000, 4-H Saskatchewan with $600,000 and Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan with $610,000.
The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. This commitment includes $2 billion for programs cost-shared by the federal and provincial/territorial governments that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories. More than $155 million of this funding comes from the Government of Saskatchewan.
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