Canadian Agriculture Literacy Week is a good opportunity to give Island students a greater understanding of the importance of agriculture to Prince Edward Island, says Minister of Agriculture and Forestry George Webster.
“Bringing agriculture into Island classrooms will give students a greater awareness of the province’s top industry and the key role it plays in our society and our economy,” said Minister Webster. “Recognizing this week is a chance to remind students where their food comes from and introduce them to the people who work hard producing safe, high-quality food here in Prince Edward Island.”
The Prince Edward Island Agriculture Sector is organizing classroom activities for students from Kindergarten to Grade 4 during the week of March 3-9.
“We are very pleased to celebrate Canadian Agriculture Literacy Week by bringing together students and members of our farming community and our agriculture organizations for fun activities that will raise awareness of the industry,” said Ben Miller, executive director of the Prince Edward Island Agriculture Sector Council.
“It is extremely important that Island students have an opportunity to learn about agriculture through a Prince Edward Island lens, and apply this knowledge nationally and globally,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Alan McIsaac. "Over 400 high school students are enrolled in Agriscience and Animal Science courses in our Island schools each year and we believe that our curriculum helps students learn more about current agricultural practices in Prince Edward Island and provides Island students with a better understanding of all aspects of the number one industry in our provincial economy.
The agriculture and food industry is the leading industry in Prince Edward Island. In 2011, annual farm cash receipts totalled $474.5 million.