Program Teaches Agriculture in Schools

High school students across Nova Scotia are going to find out that the A in ABC stands for agriculture. That's the goal behind a pilot program in four schools beginning this September across the province.

The new agriculture/agri-foods curriculum teaches students the important role of agriculture in Nova Scotia's economy and the career options it offers. The new class will be offered to Grade 11 students at Cornwallis District, West Pictou Rural, Oxford Regional and Middleton Regional high schools.

"We have always seen education as the key to building a stronger agricultural industry in Nova Scotia," said Ernie Fage, Minister of Agriculture and Marketing. "By bringing agriculture directly to our schools, and giving students an in-depth look at what it takes to build a successful agricultural industry, we will have a public that is educated about the need for agricultural production in our province and the great contribution it makes to our economy."

"Agriculture has come a long way in recent years," said Ruth Grant, agricultural awareness co-ordinator with the Department of Agriculture and Marketing. "It is a very dynamic industry that is creating jobs that require many different skills. It's not enough to work hard and plow your field and plant your crops. There is an enormous amount of science and business sense that goes into being a success in agriculture."

Teachers will be hitting the books, as well, to make sure their knowledge of agriculture makes the grade before students walk into the classroom. A two-day training session is taking place Aug. 25-26 at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. During the session, high school teachers will learn from some of the most respected minds in agriculture. Teachers will learn about subjects ranging from the basics of agriculture to the process it takes to grow, make and store feed for livestock.

Representatives from the departments of Agriculture and Marketing and Education, the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, industry and high school teachers will meet at the college's alumni gardens for a barbecue and a chance to discuss what they have learned. The barbecue takes place Aug. 25 at 5 p.m.