By Blake Jackson
Farmers make up less than 2% of our population, yet nearly 20% of our workforce keeps food and fiber flowing. Agriculture touches every aspect of our lives! To bridge this gap and spark curiosity about its wonders, New York Agricultural Literacy Week returns March 18-22, 2024.
Join Cornell Cooperative Extension Madison County and become a volunteer, bringing the magic of agriculture into elementary classrooms. You'll be a key player in inspiring future generations to:
- Connect food on their plates to farm fields
- Appreciate agriculture's role in society, from history to science
- Understand the intricate web of today's food systems
- Discover diverse career paths in food and agriculture
This year's adventure centers around Shannon Anderson's "I LOVE Strawberries". Imagine the thrill of witnessing young eyes light up as you bring Jolie's strawberry-growing journey to life! You'll read the book, then guide students through a fun, pre-designed strawberry lifecycle activity.
Using a guided worksheet and colorful stickers, each child will map the strawberry's amazing journey from seed to juicy fruit. They'll then get creative, perhaps journaling about their own strawberry growing dreams or sketching their ideal patch.
Your passion for agriculture, combined with the joy of reading, can spark a lifelong connection to food in young minds. By volunteering, you'll play a vital role in shaping a future where healthy food and food systems are understood and valued.
So, why not add the 2024 Agricultural Literacy Week event to your calendar? Your contribution will resonate not only in Madison County, but throughout New York State, planting the seeds for a more informed and appreciative generation.
Photo Credit: shutterstock-alex-brylov
Categories: New York, Education