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The importance of teaching food production in classrooms

We receive a lot of questions about the importance of teaching food production in classrooms. Are students impacted? What are the end results of implementing agricultural lessons?

The global population will reach nine billion by 2050, requiring an additional 70 per cent of output from current crops. However, while we grow more food on less land, we need to ensure the methods being implemented are sustainable and environmentally responsible. In order for Canada to reach these goals, the next generation will have to become involved.

By learning about agricultural sustainability, food production, and soil science, youth begin making environmental decisions which positively impact their communities. Many youth discover their passion for these topics and are determined to create real-world solutions to many issues we currently face, as seen by the participants at the Canada-Wide Science Festival.

Food security is also a key topic students will discover when being taught food production. Food security is having reliable access to sustainable, affordable, and healthy food. When students become agriculturally literate through the lessons provided in class, they are able to make informed environmental decisions and help shape their community.

Lastly, involving food production in classrooms raises students’ awareness to the potential careers available in the agriculture sector, allowing them to make positive impacts for decades to come. Students will become exposed to rewarding careers directly in the agriculture sector, including agronomist, food scientist, and Certified Crop Advisor. However, they’ll also discover the abundant amount of careers they may not have otherwise thought of, such as becoming a politician or journalist who works in the industry.

By educating today’s students about food production, teachers are positively impacting the environment and communities in outstanding ways.