Project Name: ThinkAg

Project summary and highlights:

The EFA recognizes the importance of youth and educator knowledge regarding the vital role agriculture and food, play in both our society and economy. Closing the food literacy gap and addressing labor shortages in agriculture and food is critical to our community, economy, and to ensuring we can feed our growing population. On April 15th and 16th, the EFA, together with AgScape, a charitable organization dedicated to serving Ontario educators and youth, took over the Joe Thornton arena to host a career exploration event in Elgin County. This event provided an excellent opportunity to assist our youth in making real world connections between the Agri-sector and the world they live. Together they hosted over 600 local students in grades 7-10 each day to experience industry representatives running stations related to agriculture, food and careers that are hands-on and meant to capture their interest. Students were be placed in small groups that rotated stations every 10 to 12 minutes, allowing them a fun and interactive way of learning about food and agriculture. This event empowered young students by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about the agriculture sector. We were able to show the many viable career opportunities in agriculture, other than farming, such as mechanics, plumbers, electricians, and accountants. Students had the chance to speak to industry professionals who volunteered their time about a variety of roles and professions in agriculture. Communicating the benefits of agricultural work to a younger demographic is imperative to attracting young workers and to securing our future.