October is again proclaimed as Agriculture Month in the province. This year, the aim is to celebrate the industry's resiliency, even in this challenging year.
"Saskatchewan people have a long history of pulling together when times are tough, especially in the agriculture community," says Saskatchewan Farm and Food Care.
By organizing events, campaigns, and programming throughout October, members of the ag industry are encouraged to share their stories. The hashtag #CelebrateAg is geared around allowing producers to showcase how our food is grown for people who may not know. The campaign aims at increasing public trust through education.
"Its all about recognizing what agriculture does here in the province of Saskatchewan. People know it's the number one industry here in the province, and this month is a way of recognizing the work that the ag industry does." shared Provincial Agriculture Minister, David Marit.
"As a province, we've become more urbanized," Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan Executive Director Clinton Monchuk said. "Opportunities to connect consumers and farmers are increasingly important in today's world. Agriculture Month offers an opportunity to engage and build trust with Saskatchewan residents by using the hashtag #CelebrateAg."
Those who post photos along with the #CelebrateAg hashtag will have a chance to win a 250 dollar gift card from the Federated Co-op. Participants must upload an image related to farming or food in one of several categories; all details about the contest can be found on the Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan website.
Minister Marit exclaimed that some of the stories being shared on social media by the next generation of farmers and ranchers are genuinely inspiring and showcase what the #CelebrateAg campaign is all about.
Hon. David Marit also shared that one of the critical things that makes agriculture such a unique industry is its ability to bring family, friends, and communities closer together. "I have many good friends who have the grandparents, the parents and the children, all working hand in hand, it's an amazing story to tell, and Agriculture Month helps share that story".
To learn how to participate in Agriculture Month and to discover the complete listing of events, producers are encouraged to visit farmfoodcaresk.org and follow Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan on its social platforms. The site includes a list of ideas of ways to participate in the celebration including some of the following:
• Profile a local farmer in your newspaper
• Plan a Facebook Live event
• Take a virtual farm tour from the comfort of your own home at FarmFood360.org
• Arrange for a farmer to present to your school, Chamber or community group
• Contact Agriculture in the Classroom SK to find out about activities and resources available for your school
Other organized events will be posted throughout the month as they become available.
