Manitoba Pork, on behalf of hog farmers across the province, has made a strong commitment to the future of agriculture through a gift of $75,000 over the next three years to Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba (AITC-M).
Starting in 2024, the annual contribution of $25,000 will enable AITC-M to broaden the scope of its programs and resources, which are designed to inspire a sense of connection and love for agriculture among K-12 students by highlighting the origins of their food and the important role of local producers.
“Manitoba Pork has been a champion of ours for so much of our journey,” said Katharine Cherewyk, Executive Director of AITC-M. “We’re immensely thankful for their decision to deepen their commitment to our organization. Multi-year gifts like this are an endorsement of our mission and make it possible for us to plan for the future with greater confidence.”
Manitoba Pork has supported AITC-M and their mission in the development of innovative resources, which have showcased the work pork producers do every day, including the production of the Follow the Hog Farmers virtual farm tour, part of AITC-M’s Follow the Farmers series, and introduced students to the fundamentals of hog farming and pork production at AITC-M’s popular Amazing Agriculture Adventure: Animals program last fall.
Manitoba Pork’s partnership with AITC-M in past years has also resulted in the creation of valuable resources across the agriculture sector, such as the Foundations of Manitoba Agriculture virtual hub. This platform offers comprehensive learning opportunities about 18 foundational commodities in Manitoba, including pork.
In addition, Manitoba Pork has supported the development of innovative learning resources like the Eat Well: Exploring Canada’s Food Guide kit, which provides interactive lessons, display materials and playing cards designed to help students explore Canada’s Food Guide for healthy eating.
“Manitoba’s pork producers recognize the importance of agriculture education in our province, and Manitoba Pork is very enthusiastic in our support for all that Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba does to further their meaningful work,” said Cam Dahl, Manitoba Pork General Manager. “We look forward to continuing our strong working relationship for many years to come as we work together to provide high-quality educational resources for the next generation of agriculture sector leaders.”
