ROBERTS: Celebrating the importance of farmers and the agri-food sector to Canada's overall economy
the vast agri-food sector. And once they start buying food on their own, they’ll be savvy enough to make informed choices.
In other words, they’ll be agriculturally literate. They’ll have the capacity to, for example, have a perspective on local food and on global exports, both of which are essential for a healthy, productive agrifood system.
And what better place to get started on the drive towards an agriculturally literate society than school?
There will never be enough money for such an effort. Break down this latest government investment over two years, across the entire country, and it becomes clear much more is needed.
But maybe it’s the best Ottawa figures it can do right now.
And I suppose business writers will hold their nose at federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau’s upbeat quote connected to her department’s support for Agriculture Literacy Month.
“It is absolutely essential that young Canadians understand where their food comes from,” she said. “They must know what farmers’ work consists of and how hard they work to take care of their animals and our environment…to provide us with high-quality food. I encourage our young people to take an interest in the many job opportunities available to them on farms and in mechanics, electronics and engineering, science, animal and plant health and much more!”
Maybe it’s “small” talk to some. But I think it’s right on. Educate young Canadians about agriculture so they mature into knowledgeable consumers. That will enhance the depth and meaning of an agriculture celebration.