As younger generations of Virginians grow up removed from the farm, connecting children to agriculture has never been more important.
For the 12th year, Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom will celebrate Agriculture Literacy Week March 14-18. AITC’s 2022 Book of the Year is “Tales of the Dairy Godmother: Chuck’s Ice Cream Wish.” In observance of Agriculture Literacy Week, Patrick County Farm Bureau will be donating the 2022 Book of the Year to all Patrick County elementary schools, Trinity Christian School and the Patrick County Public Library.
Agriculture Literacy Week is Virginia AITC’s largest educational event, with more than 22,000 agriculture-related books have been placed in classrooms. The event is one of numerous initiatives Virginia AITC utilizes to help students and educators gain a greater awareness and understanding of agriculture.
“During Agriculture Literacy Week and throughout the year, youth learn about the sources of their food, make connections with local farms and discover the importance of agriculture in their daily lives,” said Sandra Heath, committee chairman.
Partners include members from Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers committees, FFA and 4-H participants and partners from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and other state agencies. Other agricultural businesses and organizations such as Colonial Farm Credit, Farm Credit of the Virginias and Southern States Cooperative Inc. are supporters of the annual event.
This year’s sponsors include The Dairy Alliance and Virginia-based creameries Homestead Creamery and Moo Thru. To learn more about Agriculture Literacy Week and how to support Virginia AITC, visit virginia.agclassroom.org.