Ag for Life acquires Classroom Agriculture Program

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Classroom Agriculture Program (CAP) is set to return in January, now under the Agriculture for Life (Ag for Life) portfolio.

“At Ag for Life, our main mission is to share knowledge, build connections with the community and provide ample learning opportunities for youth so they build a greater understanding and appreciation of agriculture and its fundamental connection to life,” says Luree Williamson, CEO of Ag for Life. “It is undeniable that both organizations are deeply rooted in Alberta agriculture and have a passion for sharing this story. Therefore, this is a natural fit for us
as we continue to expand our programming and make a bigger impact in our province.”

Connecting agriculture to curriculum in the classroom

“CAP has always been about showcasing Alberta’s second largest sector and providing educational opportunities for students to learn about where their food comes from,” says David Webb, Chairperson of CAP. “CAP volunteers engage grade four students with entertaining and informative presentations, deeply rooted in their personal hands-on experience as stakeholders in Alberta agriculture and various food supply chains. CAP also gives students a glimpse at the wide array of career opportunities within agriculture, as a diverse and innovative sector.”

“Just as CAP member organizations are committed to building sustainable industries that are able to adapt to changing consumer demands, it is vitally important that CAP itself is equally dynamic and able to adapt to the changing needs of Alberta’s students and educators. After 35 years of tremendous success, CAP is thrilled to start a new chapter as a proud part of Ag for Life’s stable of agricultural education programming,”

CAP started in 1985 as a way to enhance understanding of agriculture. In those 35 years, over 600,000 grade four students have participated in the program.

Ag for Life was founded in 2011 to expand and offer hands-on educational programming.

Existing CAP partners like Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) will continue to act in an advisory capacity.