|
Saskatoon, SK – June 23, 2026 – Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK) and the Saskatchewan Oats Development Commission (SaskOats) are proud to announce a new three-year partnership focused on strengthening agriculture education opportunities for students and teachers across Saskatchewan.
Through significantly increased funding over the next three years, SaskOats will support AITC-SK’s mission of connecting youth and agriculture through innovative, curriculum-connected learning experiences that build understanding of food systems, sustainability, nutrition, and agricultural careers.
The partnership will help AITC-SK continue delivering hands-on educational programming, teacher professional development, classroom resources, and experiential learning initiatives that reach students in urban, rural, and First Nations communities throughout the province.
“SaskOats has been a valued supporter of agriculture education for over 20 years, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued leadership and commitment to Saskatchewan youth,” said Sara Shymko, Executive Director of AITC-SK. “This partnership allows us to continue expanding impactful learning experiences that help students better understand where their food comes from, the importance of agriculture to our economy and communities, and the exciting opportunities that exist within the agriculture sector.”
AITC-SK programming now reaches more than 80,000 students and 34,000 other youth annually through classroom presentations, digital resources, agriculture career exploration events, experiential learning kits, out-of-school programs, and teacher focused initiatives. The organization’s initiatives are designed to provide balanced, science-based learning experiences that help students build informed connections to food and farming.
"SaskOats is proud to support Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan and the vital role they play in connecting young people with agriculture and food production,” said Shawna Mathieson, Executive Director of SaskOats.
“As fewer youth have direct, hands-on experience on the farm, organizations like this are essential in ensuring Saskatchewan's next generation understands where their food comes from — including the role oats play in nutrition, soil health and our provincial economy — and the innovative, responsible practices of the farmers who produce it," Elwood White, SaskOats Chair.
The partnership also supports continued integration of oats-related learning opportunities within educational programming where appropriate, helping students better understand oats production and the nutritional value of oats as part of healthy food systems. As the world's leading oat exporter, Canada relies heavily on Saskatchewan, which produces approximately 50% of the country's oats — making this education all the more meaningful for the province's students.
---
About Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan
Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK) is a registered charitable organization dedicated to increasing agricultural literacy among students and educators across Saskatchewan. Through curriculum-connected resources, teacher support, and experiential learning opportunities, AITC-SK helps students learn about food, farming, sustainability, and agricultural careers.
About SaskOats
SaskOats represents Saskatchewan oat producers with a mission to optimize oats as a competitive crop and increase grower profitability through research, market development, advocacy, and industry partnerships. Guided by five strategic priorities — research, market development, advocacy, building partnerships, and communication — SaskOats works to grow domestic and international demand for oats and advance the long-term viability of the Saskatchewan oat sector. SaskOats is committed to advancing awareness of the health benefits of oats and the vital role agriculture plays in Saskatchewan and beyond.
Media Contacts:
Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan
Amber Solda
Communications Manager
306-229-6188
amber@aitc.sk.ca
SaskOats
Shawna Mathieson
Executive Director
306-530-8545
smathieson@poga.ca
| 
