Agriculture in the Classroom
(AITC)
CSREES' Agriculture in the Classroom Program
(AITC) serves nearly 5 million students and
60,000 teachers annually through workshops,
conferences, field trips, farm tours, and
other educational activities. AITC programs
include working with state AITC activities
engaged in a variety of issues relating to
agricultural literacy. Other programs emphasized
by the CSREES AITC office include:
- Science literacy
- Agricultural careers
- Nutrition
- Pre-service and professional develop
opportunities for teachers.
The disciplines of agriculture and education
have been related for much of our nation's
history. When most Americans lived on farms
or in small towns, students often did farm
chores before and after school. Old schoolbooks
have numerous agricultural references. As
the farming population began to decline,
agricultural emphasis decreased in educational
materials as well.
A core group of educators and agriculturalists
pushed for more youth education about agriculture.
They recognized the interlocking role of
farming and food and fiber production with
environmental quality, which included wildlife
habitat, clean water, and the preservation
of forests. This group went on to promote
the national effort of AITC. Today AITC continues
to help students gain a greater awareness
of the role of agriculture in the economy
and society so they will become citizens
who support wise agricultural policies.
Additional information can be found on the AITC
Web site.
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