AITC Canada Resource Listing

Celebrate the richness, diversity, and ingenuity of Canadian agriculture with this full anthology of the Great Canadian Farm Tour. This complete collection brings together every stop from coast to coast to coast, showcasing the people, practices, and stories that shape our nation’s food system. From innovative family farms to culturally rooted traditions and cutting‑edge sustainability, this series offers an inspiring, panoramic look at the farms and farmers who nourish Canada.

The #MyFoodChoice resource is an inquiry based resource where students will lead their own research, to answer the question of "How can I make informed food choices?" Through the five lessons students will develop critical thinking skills by utilizing interactive student sheets, engaging videos, and more.

This resource allows for grade 7-12 students to explore and learn about Ontario's aquaculture industry, potential careers available as well as how to start an aquaculture business. What is fish farming, why is it important and how are fish produced? Learn more about Aquaculture in Ontario with this Teacher Guide that was designed with the support of and in collaboration with the Ontario Aquaculture Association.

Joining us on this episode is Darren Anderson, who is co-founder and CEO of Vive Crop Protection. Darren talks to us about his path from science to agriculture and biotech business owner, and how students can prepare for a career in entrepreneurship. Vive Crop Protection makes more sustainable and effective pesticides for growers, enabling them to get the best results from the products they use. Darren wasn’t always on the path to agriculture and entrepreneurship, but while at university he was influenced by speakers at his school who would come and discuss how they used their science background for entrepreneurship. The most important thing is to not be afraid of failure. Failure is the only way to learn. To help spread this message, Darren began a tutoring business to aid students. As a business owner, Darren does need to hire, and he needs to hire people with a wide range of skills. Chemists in different specializations, regulatory scientists, and safety personnel are all sought-after roles that wouldn’t normally be thought of. Darren talks about the value of failure in building a career, building teams and the skillsets those teams need, and the soft people skills essential to running a modern company.

Joining us on this episode is Mike Schreiner, the Leader of the Green Party of Ontario and a member of the Provincial Parliament for Guelph. Mike is here not to talk politics, but to discuss his lifelong passion for food and agriculture. Before politics, Mike was an entrepreneur and advocate for the local food movement. Mike grew up on a cash crop farm, raising crops and cattle. He worked from 7 am to 7 pm almost every day, and to entertain himself he would practice political speeches by himself. This led to a lifelong interest in politics and brought him to the Green Party, along with his food-based entrepreneurship. He wanted to help build the sustainable food movement in Ontario and knew policy change could only come from within. Since he began his political journey, the perception of food and agriculture has shifted. Mike wants to spread the connection between farmers and consumers. There’s a greater appreciation for where food comes from and how it’s produced. Social media, for all its downsides, is a great tool for farmers and producers to show people how their environments operate. When it comes to bridging the rural/urban divide, a leader can help by educating. It’s about communicating why some farmers do things one way over the other and what the market needs. Even during the pandemic, projects like backyard gardens and community gardens were valuable tools to educate. It’s also important to publicize the loss of farmland and how important it is to protect it. With the disappearance of farmland comes food shortages and price increases. It’s something that needs to be preserved.

Joining us on this episode is Graham Hill from the non-profit Food for Life. The organization’s mission is to rescue food, impact lives, and give everyone access to healthy food. They aim to cut food waste, and Graham is here to discuss his career pathway and the organization's work to rescue and distribute fresh food to neighbours in need through community partnerships. Graham has a varied background, initially being a scuba diving instructor. He then became involved in charity before going to school to obtain a post-grad degree in Fundraising and Volunteer management. After working for various organizations involved with health, he came to work at the food bank, which evolved into his role at Food for Life. Staying true to your values is essential to working in the non-profit sector. Sometimes it means stepping out of your comfort zone to grow. For Graham, he wanted to create an impact on the world. What problems do you want to solve? Look for a culture that fits you. Billions of dollars worth of food go to waste every year. There is unavoidable food waste and avoidable food waste. Avoidable waste comes about with things like expiry dates, slightly misshapen, or discolored vegetables. Food for Life takes food that’s rejected and picks it up, sharing it with other charities and people. Just this last year they rescued 5 million pounds of food. If you are considering working for a non-profit but aren’t sure in what capacity, there are many aspects to an organization, from transport to accounting, and a wide range of skills are in demand. When it comes to the effects of the pandemic, it’s clear that it had a huge impact on organizations and recipients in the sector. Accessibility is key as life evolves.

Would you like to know about all the programs and resources AgScape has to offer? This document summarizes what we offer, where it can be located, what Specialist High Skills Major Program it relates to, as well as our many career-type related programs and resources.

These infographics will help students discover the various crops and livestock that are grown in Canada, define arable land and the various types of soil in Ontario as well as help students discover government influences on agriculture at all 3 levels. They will also help students learn about inputs that improve production, and the effect of climate on what we grow and food distribution.

Touching on various subject areas from health and physical education to social studies, science, careers, and technology this resource aims to provide an overview of the practices involved in the production of Beef in Ontario from farm to table.

This Teacher's Guide, for grades 7-12, allows students and teachers to explore the world of genomics in agriculture and food. Teachers can use the Teacher's Guide to expand their knowledge of genomics, then couple that with 3 interactive lesson plans that use coding, experiments, Ontario-focused case studies, career exploration and much more. These lesson plans also help students understand genomics in agriculture and food related to the context of animal welfare, food security and climate change. Pair this teachers's guide with a recording of a live event with Michael Dorrington, a geneticist at Ontario Genomics.

These infographics provide an introduction to the elements of responsible animal care, statistics about livestock farming in Canada, and the methods used to keep farm animals healthy.

In collaboration with Farm & Food Care Ontario, this is a compilation of commonly asked questions, answers and facts related to beekeeping.

Before the Plate is a documentary that attempts to close the gap between the urban consumer and farming in Canada. Follow young farmers and industry experts to learn what a modern Canadian farm operation looks like, and discuss the most pressing questions consumers have about their food. Be sure to check out the comprehensive, curriculum-linked Student Guide we have created to supplement the viewing of this documentary.

These infographics provide definitions of plant biotechnology and explores the research and assessment required to get a genetically engineered crop to market. Also included are stories, controversies, and breakthroughs in biotechnology.

These infographics will allows students to explore agriculture and food from a business perspective. Students will learn about four different types of businesses along with 4 different types of economic business sectors.

This resource has been developed as a teaching tool for grades 11 and 12 covering careers related to the agri-food industry. It is linked to the Ontario Math and Business Curriculum.

There is no better pathway for students to ignite their curiosity of food and farming than with Camp AgScape, a free immersive and fun online experience for youth from age 5 to 18. The program is a fully accessible, self-paced web platform which includes highly interactive, meaningful, and gamified educational activities to support parents, teachers and students. Included is a Teacher's Guide, a comprehensive five-day programming guide for four age groups (5-8, 9-12, 13-15, 16-18). Themes include plant science, innovation, STEM, animal science, nutrition, environment, healthy eating and more! Ideal for classrooms, camps or home learning.

A snapshot of Canada's Food Guide and nutritional information.

This double sided document is a great tool for guidance counselors, parents, and students alike. The colour coding of the education requirements of the highlighted careers makes this an easy to read addition to any school, home or corporate resource library.

This infographic outlines current statistics for jobs in the agriculture sector in Canada. It displays multiple career pathways and the vast amount of opportunity in the agriculture sector.

Challenging Conditions - Exploring the Lives of Subsistence Farmers in the Developing World is an activity that invites students to explore what life is like for subsistence farmers in the developing world by introducing them to a character and various aspects of his/her life.

The activity emphasizes quality of life and the effects of issues such as hunger, health, conflict, gender dynamics, environment and climate change.

Related media: Program puts students in shoes of subsistence farmers (The Western Producer) 

The complete kit contains a teacher guide and all materials needed.

In collaboration with Farm & Food Care Ontario, this is a compilation of commonly asked questions, answers and, facts related to cheese.

These infographics will help students explore climate change and how it relates to agriculture, the various opportunities and challenges as well as adaptation and mitigation strategies. They will also help students explore the vulnerability of agriculture in relation to climate change, areas/types of sensitivity, innovations as well as food safety and security.

Climate Change! One of the many topics that affects each of us, and yet what are the CHALLENGES, IMPACTS, and ACTIONS? In addressing the topic, this resource will support teachers as they guide students in exploring Climate, Where We Live, Our Health, Our Water, Farms, Forests, and Our Natural Heritage.

Download this activity kit to provide your students with an in depth look at the coffee growing process. You can pick and choose the activities that work for you class. From tracking your Starbucks coffee to playing a matching game, there will be something for everyone!

These infographics will help students define conventional and organic farming practices, various pests and the challenges they can cause, the difference between natural and synthetic chemicals as well as approaches to pest management. They will also help students explore the use of pesticides, residue limits, nutrients in conventional and organic foods as well as environmental impacts.

Your Discovery Guide for Careers in Agriculture and Food.

Edible Enterprises is an engaging, hands-on project that empowers students to dive into the world of food production, entrepreneurship, and marketing—all while developing real-world skills! Through interactive lessons, students will:

✅ Create and market their own food product—from concept to consumer!
✅ Explore food production, sustainability, and safety in a meaningful way.
✅ Discover career pathways in food, agriculture, and business.
✅ Master marketing strategies and customer profiling to bring their product to market.
✅ Gain practical cooking skills while understanding the full food supply chain.

This unit plan provides everything you need to spark curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking in your students. Download now and start inspiring the next generation of food innovators!

Special thank-you to FEAD for supporting the development of this resource. 

FEAD (Female Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food Development) is a National non-profit dedicated to empowering and advancing women entrepreneurs in the dynamic food processing sector.

These infographics highlight programs such as the Environmental Farm Plan, Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program and Water Resource Adaptation and Management Initiative and their impact on environmental sustainability. Students will explore agriculture and food with a focus on environmental initiatives. Students can learn about issues, improvements and initiatives within the agriculture industry, transportation as well as corporate and social responsibility.

Tour a farm or processing facility from the comfort of your couch! FarmFood360° is a series of virtual farm and processing facility tours throughout Canada. Students can test their knowledge at the end of each tour.