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CAP program set to relaunch in January 2022!
CALGARY – AB. – Agriculture for Life (Ag for Life) is excited to announce its acquisition of the Classroom Agriculture Program (CAP) in Alberta.
Since its inception in 1985, CAP has seen over 600,000 grade four students participate in the program. The program was originally created to enhance students’ understanding of agriculture and where their food comes from, thereby fostering a greater respect for the industry and the individuals who make Alberta-based food production a reality. By highlighting the value and importance of agriculture in Alberta, CAP volunteers have been creating a positive impact on Alberta children for the past 35 years.
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, CAP is set to relaunch in the upcoming year, when it will be offered by Ag for Life, a long-time funding partner of the program. As Ag for Life celebrates its 10-year anniversary, this opportunity could not have come at a better time for the organization. “At Ag for Life, our main mission is to share knowledge, build connections with the community and provide ample learning opportunities for youth so they build a greater understanding and appreciation of agriculture and its fundamental connection to life,” says Luree Williamson, CEO of Ag for Life. “It is undeniable that both organizations are deeply rooted in Alberta agriculture and have a passion for sharing this story. Therefore, this is a natural fit for us as we continue to expand our programming and make a bigger impact in our province.”
“CAP has always been about showcasing Alberta’s second largest sector and providing educational opportunities for students to learn about where their food comes from. CAP volunteers engage grade four students with entertaining and informative presentations, deeply rooted in their personal hands-on experience as stakeholders in Alberta agriculture and various food supply chains. CAP also gives students a glimpse at the wide array of career opportunities within agriculture, as a diverse and innovative sector,” says David Webb, Chairperson of CAP. “Just as CAP member organizations are committed to building sustainable industries that are able to adapt to changing consumer demands, it is vitally important that CAP itself is equally dynamic and able to adapt to the changing needs of Alberta’s students and educators. After 35 years of tremendous success, CAP is thrilled to start a new chapter as a proud part of Ag for Life’s stable of agricultural education programming,” adds Webb.
The existing CAP partners, which will continue to act in an advisory capacity, consist of the following members: Alberta Barley Commission, Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Canola Producers Commission, Alberta Chicken Producers, Alberta Irrigation Districts Association, Alberta Milk, Alberta Pulse Growers Commission, Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, Alberta Wheat Commission, Eastern Irrigation District and Egg Farmers of Alberta.
About Ag for Life
Since its founding in 2011, Agriculture for Life (Ag for Life) has played a vital role in educating Albertans about agriculture, food, farming and safety. Working in collaboration with agriculture and education communities, Ag for Life develops, expands and offers hands-on educational programming to children, youth and adults throughout the province and beyond via virtual learning classrooms and other digital assets.
About CAP
The Classroom Agriculture Program (CAP) started in 1985, and since that time over 600,000 students have participated in our program. CAP is about the food you eat and where it comes from. CAP explains the value and importance of agriculture in Alberta, while highlighting the vast opportunities in agriculture, as well as the people, producers and industries that drive this sector. CAP is presented to grade four students across Alberta at no charge. Volunteers deliver the program through story-telling, engaging props and fun activities.
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For more information, contact:
Irena Ceko, Marketing and Communications Specialist
250-826-6398