AgScape marks 35 years, calls for expanded investment in agri-food literacy across Ontario

Amanda Robertson, executive director of AgScape, spoke at the organization’s annual general meeting, where leaders marked 35 years of agricultural education programming and outlined future priorities. Pictured, Robertson received a certificate from Sarah Andrews, vice chair, on behalf of the Ontario government, congratulating AgScape on 35 years. ~ Amanda Nelson photo

By Amanda Nelson

AgScape marked its 35th anniversary during its annual general meeting last month, highlighting a renewed focus on strengthening agri-food literacy among Ontario students and expanding programming to address growing workforce needs in the agriculture sector.

The meeting centred on the evolving relationship between public perceptions of agriculture and the sector’s need for a skilled workforce, with leaders noting ongoing challenges in attracting talent due to misconceptions and limited visibility into modern agricultural careers.

Speakers emphasized that while industry partners often engage in research and discussion, there remains a pressing need for qualified individuals to support growth across the agri-food sector.

According to AgScape, its programs - including the Teacher Ambassador Program (TAP) and the Agri Careers Initiative - reached nearly 140,000 students across Ontario over the past year.

The initiatives are designed to integrate agriculture into classroom learning and improve student understanding of food systems and related career pathways.

“This initiative showed what’s possible when education, industry and government align with purpose,” said Amanda Robertson, executive director of AgScape.

“While the projects have concluded, they’ve offered us the opportunity to access parts of the province where we have historically lacked the resources to go and sharpen their responsibility to move from isolated careers exposure to intentional, high quality agri-careers literacy,” she said.

TAP saw record growth through the integration of agriculture into curriculum-based learning, while the Agri Careers Initiative - supported by industry partners - aimed to enhance student understanding of agriculture-related careers.

The organization’s report also calls for increased financial and human resources to meet rising demand, particularly in underserved regions such as the Greater Toronto Area and Northern Ontario.

Robertson said the future of AgScape depends on stronger sector-wide investment and advocacy.

“This is where the sector comes in, not simply as funders, although we absolutely need the dollars, but as champions,” she said. “An investment in AgScape is an investment in equitable education, in the future workforce and in a generation of students who understand and value agriculture and food.”

Robertson also emphasized a shift in focus from awareness-building to deeper literacy-building within food systems education.

“But literacy is understanding how food systems actually work,” she said. “It’s the ability to understand where food comes from and how it’s produced, processed, distributed.”

She added that students must be able to critically evaluate food systems and see themselves as active participants - as future workers, decision-makers or informed consumers.

“The agri-food sector is modernizing rapidly and facing unprecedented workforce needs, innovation pressures and policy complexities,” Robertson said.

She added that a population that does not understand agriculture cannot meet future challenges, but one that is informed can help strengthen the system.

Robertson said AgScape’s next phase will focus on deepening literacy outcomes across Ontario classrooms.

“This shift from awareness building to literacy building really is AgScape’s next evolution,” she said. “We’re just at the beginning of this work, and AgScape is excited to build, deepen and lead the next chapter of what agri-careers education will look like in Ontario.”

In a press release, AgScape announced its 35th anniversary campaign, “Deep Roots, Bright Futures – Planting for the Next 35 Years,” aimed at expanding agriculture and food education across Ontario.

The organization, founded in 1991, said it now reaches hundreds of thousands of students annually through programs such as TAP, virtual field trips, thinkAG career experiences, and digital learning resources.

AgScape said its programming costs approximately $3.05 per student, allowing the organization to deliver curriculum-linked agriculture education at scale.

As part of the anniversary campaign, it is encouraging supporters to make a symbolic $35 donation to help sustain and expand programming.

“Deep Roots, Bright Futures is about building on that legacy, ensuring every student in Ontario has the opportunity to develop agri-food literacy,” Robertson said in the release.