(Calgary, AB, January 30, 2014) The Classroom Agriculture Program (CAP) provides rural and urban elementary students in Alberta a unique opportunity to learn about the tradition and future of agriculture.
While this program has been around for nearly thirty years, CAP recently incorporated as a Society and is launching its first program year as an independent organization. The program is off to a stellar start with over 22,000 grade four students registered across the province and plans to reach 30,000 over the next 2 years.
“CAP is the only program of its kind: curriculum connected, delivered in class, by volunteers from across the agriculture industry. The presenters have a vested interest in sharing these important messages because the future of the agriculture industry relies on this new generation understanding its important role in our day to day lives,” Karen Spelay, General Manager, Classroom Agriculture Program.
CAP is endorsed by the Minister of Education and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. CAP is a multi-commodity initiative supported by Agriculture for Life, the Alberta Barley Commission, Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Canola Producers, Alberta Chicken Producers, Alberta Institute of Agrologists, Alberta Irrigation Projects Association, Alberta Milk, Alberta Pulse Growers Commission, Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, Alberta Wheat Commission, Easter Irrigation District and the Egg Farmers of Alberta.
“In the past, students who didn’t themselves live on a farm may have had grandparents or family that did. As society has become more urbanized, that situation no longer exists, and agriculture is becoming more and more removed from its roots—making CAP so important – it helps children connect to agriculture and their food, “ David Sprague, Chair of the Classroom Agriculture Program Society.
Joining Sprague on the Board of Directors are
Linda Whitworth, Alberta Barley Commission; Barb Sweetland, Alberta Beef Producers; Simone Demers-Collins, Alberta Canola Producers Commission; Vera Ward, Alberta Chicken Producers; Ron McMullin, Alberta Irrigation Projects Association; Melinda Falkenberg-Poetz, Alberta Milk; Midge Landals, Alberta Veterinary Medical Association; Lauren Comin, Alberta Wheat Commission; David Webb, Egg Farmers of Alberta.
A special thank you goes out to the Alberta Beef Producers who have housed and supported the CAP program for nearly the past thirty years. Their continued support as a CAP member and on the Board of Directors is much appreciated.
Teachers or volunteers interested in registering for CAP or those looking for more information can do so at www.classroomagriculture.com.
About CAP
The Classroom Agriculture Program (CAP) provides rural and urban elementary students in Alberta a unique opportunity to learn about the tradition and future of agriculture. Children learn about the food they eat and where it comes from, the importance of agriculture in Alberta and the career opportunities available in a vibrant agricultural industry.