Canadians are once again gearing up to celebrate their pride and passion for an industry that puts food on tables across this country and around the world every day.聽 Canada鈥檚 Agriculture Day will be held on Tuesday, February 13 this year, marking the second annual celebration of the sector of the economy that employs one in eight Canadians 鈥� from farmers and their suppliers to food processors and retailers.
There are a couple of events planned in Assiniboia for Canada鈥檚 Agriculture Day. There will be a Safety Workshop for Farming and Ranching Women held at the Assiniboia and District Publicy Library on Tuesday, February 13. This event is presented by the Agriculture Health and Safety Network. Themes are Learning from the past, Balancing the present, and Planning for the future. Topics include safety, stress, on and off farm work, raising children on the farm, and older farmers. Refreshments and door prizes. Admission is free.
聽鈥淚t鈥檚 a time to showcase all of the amazing things happening in Canadian agriculture and help consumers see the connection to where their food comes from and the people who produce it,鈥� said Candace Hill, manager of Agriculture More Than Ever, one of the driving forces behind Canada鈥檚 Agriculture Day.
聽The first-ever Canada鈥檚 Agriculture Day on Feb. 16, 2017 inspired hundreds of events across the country, opened doors to food conversations through social media and showcased the industry to young people who attended a day-long, marquee event in Ottawa, alongside industry and political leaders.
聽鈥淐anadian agriculture is an innovative, vibrant and forward-thinking industry, which plays a significant role in our economy,鈥� said Lawrence MacAulay, minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
聽鈥淎s Canadians, we can be proud that we produce among the safest, high-quality food for our country and the world,鈥� MacAulay said. 鈥淐anada鈥檚 agriculture and agri-food sector contributes over $110 billion to our economy and Canada鈥檚 Agriculture Day is an excellent opportunity to take stock of our success and celebrate.鈥�
聽This year鈥檚 celebration promises even more events, social media conversations and will once again feature a roster of dynamic speakers in Ottawa geared to building a better understanding and appreciation of the industry, as well as inspiring young people to consider the career opportunities in agriculture and agri-food.
聽Bob McDonald, best-selling author and host of CBC鈥檚 Quirks and Quarks, will be one of the Ottawa event鈥檚 keynote speakers. He is able to provide meaning behind some of the more complex scientific issues we face on this planet. 鈥淭he future of agriculture depends on attracting youth, so we especially want to appeal to young people who are not always aware of the wide range of career opportunities in agriculture,鈥� Hill said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 all about celebrating this dynamic and growing industry while engaging in fun, respectful and informative dialogue.鈥�
聽The key to successful Canada鈥檚 Agriculture Day starts with the participation of farmers, according to Crystal Mackay, president of the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity. Their most recent survey showed Canadians consider farmers among the most credible sources of information when it comes to making informed decisions about their food. 鈥淔armers and the entire food system have a great story to tell which helps earn consumer trust and confidence in food,鈥� Mackay said. 鈥淐onsumers want to know more, and Canada鈥檚 Agriculture Day is a great way to start the conversation in person and on social media.鈥�
聽Hill said to watch for events and activities happening in communities across Canada, including those sponsored by industry associations, businesses and Agriculture More Than Ever partners.
Individuals can also participate by making a meal for your family with all Canadian foods, snapping a farm or food photo and sharing it on social media using hashtags like #CdnAgDay and #FarmLife, or by giving back to their community by volunteering at the local food bank or soup kitchen. For more ideas on how to celebrate Canada鈥檚 Agriculture Day visit AgDay.ca.
