The Manitoba government is encouraging all Manitobans to learn more about the important role agriculture producers play in ensuring the agri-food system remains diverse, safe and sustainable, by attending at least one of the many events around the province celebrating the 10th annual Farm and Food Awareness Week, Sept. 16 to 20.
Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn says “Manitoba’s farmers and producers play a critical role in feeding our province and the world, and growing our economy. Celebrating and learning about the many people who ensure our food goes from farm to table in the safest, most efficient and sustainable way possible is an important way for agricultural producers get the recognition they deserve.”
To support kindergarten to Grade 12 teachers and students in learning about the importance of agriculture in Manitoba, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable-CAP), the governments of Canada and Manitoba have provided $400,000 to Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba. Funding will be used for the Amazing Agriculture Adventure Program, which helps students and teachers learn about Manitoba agriculture, eating local and opportunities in Manitoba’s agriculture sector.
Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay says “Farm and Food Awareness Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the vital contributions our farming communities make. This funding for Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba will help students right across Manitoba learn more about how their food is produced and grow their passion for agriculture.”
“We are incredibly grateful to the Manitoba government for its visionary support, which has been vital to the success and growth of Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba,” said Katharine Cherewyk, executive director, Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba. “This partnership not only demonstrates the province’s confidence in our mission but also highlights the government’s strong commitment to the future of agriculture. By investing in our programs and resources, the Manitoba government is ensuring that our students and educators, especially in rural, remote, francophone and Indigenous communities, have the tools they need to understand and engage with our province’s vibrant agri-food sector. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving agricultural industry supported by future generations of informed and inspired Manitobans.”
This year’s events include:
• The launch event, Discover Agriculture on the Farm, a family-friendly event at the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre on Sunday, Sept. 15, where urban and rural communities can come together to discover where Manitobans’ food comes from. Additional details can be found at https://umanitoba.ca/farm-and-food-discovery-centre/discover-agriculture-on-the-farm.
• The Manitoba Agriculture selfie challenge on X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the diversity of the province’s agri-food industry. Manitobans are encouraged to follow @MBGovAg and share their passion for the industry by posting photographs of themselves at farms or enjoying meals made with Manitoba foods, accompanied by #FacesofMBAg and #FarmFoodAwarenessWeek.
• In conjunction with Farm and Food Awareness Week, Manitoba’s Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program, has launched a video to demonstrate Manitoba producers’ ongoing commitment to sustainability. Over 48 per cent of Manitoba farms have participated in the EFP since the program began and it remains the primary tool to guide Manitoba producers in best practices ensuring sustainability on the farm. View the video at https://youtu.be/zE4NLwo7zd8.
As a part of the celebrations, Kostyshyn has proclaimed Wednesday, Sept. 18 as Local Veggie Day to celebrate Manitoba vegetable farmers, local vegetables and initiatives across the province that nourish and support families and communities.
Nearly 40,000 Manitobans work in the agricultural industry, contributing significantly to Manitoba’s economy. To learn more about agriculture in Manitoba, visit www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture.
For information on the Sustainable CAP program, visit www.manitoba.ca/scap/.
