MADISON CO., N.Y. — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County is pleased to once again be partnering with NYS Farm Bureau and local FFA Chapters to bring Ag Literacy week to elementary schools. This is the 14th year of the program that occurs throughout New York State during the week of March 18th-22nd. In Madison County, the program will reach nearly 1000 youth.
On the Farm, At the Market by G. Brian Karas is the selected book for 2019. With beautiful illustrations, the book tells the story of the journey of food from farm to table and highlights the importance of community agriculture as it relates to farmer’s markets. Agriculture contributes $37 Billion to the New York state Economy and has the second highest economic impact in Madison County. A wide variety of careers are essential to ensuring a viable and healthy food system and job opportunities in the industry for college graduates are bountiful. This year’s book was selected to both help youth understand more about where their food comes from as well as to introduce the wide variety of careers available in agriculture.
Volunteer readers will be in classrooms throughout Ag Literacy week to share the book and then engage youth with an activity to help them understand more about the journey food takes to their table. At the close of the program, each school receives copies of the book for their library and teachers are provided with information on how they can continue with lessons in agriculture. This year’s books have been generously sponsored by the Madison County chapter of the New York Farm Bureau.
If a school is not a current participant of the program and would like to find out more information, they can reach out to Agriculture Literacy Week Coordinator Craig Brown.
CCE of Madison County has been serving the community since 1917. We are proud to be part of the Cornell land grant mission of building strong and vibrant communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work. The CCE 4-H youth development program provides opportunities for all youth ages 5-19 to participate in innovative, fun programs through which they develop life skills. 4-Her’s learn valuable skills, have fun, make new friends, solve problems, earn awards, practice citizenship, develop leadership abilities, and make a difference in their communities. Please visit us at our office at 100 Eaton Street in Morrisville or on the web at madisoncountycce.org.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. Accommodations for persons with special needs may be requested by contacting our office. For further assistance or information please call (315) 684-3001.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County
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