First Agriculture Literacy Day Held in Nova Scotia

Farmers across Nova Scotia will celebrate the first Agriculture Literacy Day on Thursday, March 20, by reading books about agriculture to students in grades 2 and 3.

"The first day of spring is a wonderful time to think about agriculture and the role it plays in our economy and the social fabric of the province," said Brooke Taylor, Minister of Agriculture. "Today's children have few opportunities to connect the food they eat with where it comes from and the people who grow it. Agriculture Literacy Day brings together those who produce our food, with our children, to make farming more real."

More than 20 schools across the province will have farmers coming into classrooms to read an agriculture book and talk to students about what they do. The books will remain in the classrooms and include activities to help teachers and students explore the science and culture of farming.

"By learning about where our food comes from, children can make healthier food choices which will help support a viable agriculture sector in Nova Scotia," said Judy Grant, acting agricultural awareness coordinator with the Department of Agriculture. "Agriculture Literacy Day may also spark interest in farming as a career choice for one of these children."

John Suidgeest, a dairy farmer from the Shubenacadie area, will visit students at Stewiacke Elementary School, bringing along one of his calves.

"This is an opportunity for myself, as a dairy producer, to talk to the students about local agriculture," said Mr. Suidgeest. "I believe it's important for them to know where and how their food is produced."

Agriculture Literacy Day is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and the Nova Scotia Agricultural Awareness Committee.