It started with a handful of soil, a few mystery seeds, and one passionate farmer named Rob.
In a Nova Scotia classroom buzzing with curiosity, Rob from Pheasant Creek Farms arrived with trays of microgreens and a time-lapse video that stunned a room full of wide-eyed students. He came equipped with trivia, planting kits, and most importantly — stories. By the end of his visit, the students weren’t just learning about agriculture, they were living it. They had planted their own crops, made predictions about the mystery seeds, and recorded their growth. They even hoped to transplant their seedlings into the school garden after the frost.
This was just one of thousands of unforgettable moments supported by nonprofit organization Agriculture in the Classroom Canada during Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (CALM), a nationwide initiative that’s planting the seeds of agricultural knowledge, one classroom at a time.
Planting the Seeds of Agricultural Education
Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) is on a mission to foster a deeper understanding of agriculture and its role in our world. Working with students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, AITC-C delivers immersive, hands-on experiences that bring agriculture to life. Their flagship annual initiative, Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month, reaches classrooms across the country every March, helping young people understand where their food comes from and inspiring them to think of agriculture as a future career path.
Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month 2024 by the Numbers
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our grantee partner, last year’s Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month achieved:
These numbers represent thousands of children who now view agriculture not as a distant concept, but as something real, relevant, and full of opportunity.
“Today we got to do our first presentation that included a full school at one time! Thanks so much to Acreman Elementary School for having us, we felt so welcome! We sent each of the kids off today with their very own water bottle and we hope that helps them remember how and where food is produced. It is so important to help teach children about farming and hopefully inspire them to think about Agriculture as a career option. We would like to give a special thanks to Agriculture in the Classroom NL for always going above and beyond to get that message across especially during Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month!”
— Kayla Minnett, N. Fagan Meats/Beothuk Cattle
Partnership with CAF America and Donor Impact
CAF America issued 11 grants totaling $645,824.25 to AITC-C. Through our Expedited Grantmaking Program with CAF Canada, we were able to deliver funds quickly and efficiently to the Canadian charity, minimizing administrative hurdles for the recipient while ensuring full tax deductibility for the donor. This streamlined approach allows donors to make international impact with ease. These funds directly supported the expansion of Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month by enabling:
- School-wide presentations from agricultural ambassadors
- Bilingual classroom materials
- School garden resources
- Interactive learning tools and take-home kits
- Volunteer training and outreach
Our donors’ support made it possible for AITC-C to deliver authentic, hands-on agricultural experiences across every province, reaching students in rural communities, urban centers, and everywhere in between.
“We will continue to read and learn about food and agriculture! We will be growing vegetables in our school garden this term!”
– Students at Richmond Secondary School
“My students thoroughly enjoyed learning about worms from a worm’s point of view. They were surprised to learn that the ‘castings’ from worms help to make good soil.”
– Teacher and Librarian, Campbell River District
“I read this book [Plant the Tiny Seed] with my Grade 1 French Immersion class. I translated it into French as I read it. It was a very cute story about how to grow a seed. I like the part about the different seeds that were planted. This was a great opportunity for a discussion about where we get our food and how we can reduce pollution from the transportation of food by growing our own food.”
– Teacher, Campbell River District
A Growing Partnership, A Lasting Impact
Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) continues to shape the future of agricultural education through hands-on learning, digital engagement, and national collaboration. Their innovative programs spark curiosity in students from coast to coast — whether it’s competing in Mission Explorium or cultivating creativity through AI video campaigns.
This fall, AITC-C invites classrooms nationwide to join Season 5 of the Great Canadian Farm Tour (GCFT). From October to December 2025, students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 can embark on virtual, live farm tours across Canada, learning about the country’s diverse food systems, connecting with real farmers, and experiencing farm life right from their classrooms. AITC also plans to expand their impact with seasonal contests, farm visits, career fairs, guest speakers, and interactive classroom kits. From BC’s Spring Literacy Contest and Alberta’s storytelling-driven CAP program to Nova Scotia’s chick-hatching experience and Manitoba’s AgVenture career passport, these efforts are sparking lifelong interest in agriculture and building a generation that sees their future in the field.
CAF America is proud to work alongside AITC-C to bring agriculture into the classroom and into the minds and hearts of the next generation. With every grant, every program, and every student reached, our donors are sowing the seeds of a more sustainable, informed future for Canadian children. We are deeply grateful to our donor community and Agriculture in the Classroom Canada for making this possible.
“Our partnership with CAF America has been essential in supporting Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month, helping us bring engaging programming like in-class presentations, hands-on activities, and interactive learning resources to students across the country. Together, we are cultivating curiosity, inspiring future leaders, and ensuring that agriculture remains a thriving and sustainable industry for generations to come.”
– Luree Williamson, Acting Executive Director, Agriculture in the Classroom Canada
Keep Exploring
Discover more Celebration of International Philanthropy stories and see how we’re honoring extraordinary impact.
Learn more about the 2025 International Grantmaking Symposium (IGS).
Browse inspiring stories of how our donors are making a difference in communities around the world.
Learn more about how Agriculture in the Classroom Canada is driving change in their community.
