Agriculture in the Classroom

AITC raises agricultural literacy by helping students understand the farm sources of their food, fabric and flowers.

They recognized the interlocking role of farming and food and fiber production with environmental quality, including wildlife habitat, clean water, and the preservation and improvement of forests.

During the 1960s and 70s, as experienced agriculture, conservation, and forestry organizations realized the need for quality material, many excellent films, literature, and classroom aids were financed and produced by businesses, foundations, nonprofit groups and associations, as well as state and federal agencies.

This new task force recommended that the U.S. Department of Agriculture would be the coordinator and that it would sponsor regional meetings to help states organize their own programs.

[1] Significant progress has been made through these partnerships of agriculture, business, education, government and dedicated volunteers.

The late Dr. Norman Borlaug, a Nobel prize Laureate, wanted to make it known prior to his death in September 2009 that it was hard for him to stomach the disconnection American students in public education have with agriculture.

Some state organizations have employed full and/or part-time persons to support Agriculture in the Classroom.

There is no one best method to administer AITC but the combined efforts of volunteers and professional staff are vital ingredients for success.

Requests for information about AITC come from many countries around the world and from other organizations wanting to learn how to deliver their programs with equal success.

AITC is regarded as a refreshing and flexible educational program designed to supplement and enhance the teacher's existing curriculum.

Volunteers may distribute materials, organize events, read books to students, coordinate contests and conduct a variety of other tasks.