Volunteers sought for agriculture education program
CAP RELEASE – Classroom Agriculture Program (CAP) is looking for volunteers to take the message of agriculture and food to elementary school students in Alberta.
Last year more than 12,000 students registered for CAP, which is endorsed by the minister of agriculture and rural development. CAP volunteers go directly into classrooms to discuss farming and agriculture with Grade 4 students.
Since its inception in 1985, the demand for the program continues to flourish. However, over the years there has been a decrease in the number of volunteers donating their time to speak with children.
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CAP volunteers are farmers, ranchers, agri-food experts, government members and individuals who have an agriculture background and experience. This network of volunteers delivers the program between February and June of each year.
Presentations are one hour and often include storytelling, hands-on props and fun activities. CAP provides training, ideas and guidance to all volunteers.
Volunteers must register by February 1, 2011. For more information, contact Karen Spelay, (403) 710-1959, [email protected].
China sees big corn shortage
REUTERS – China’s Banking Regulatory Commission has called on banks to urgently offer special support to the agriculture sector in the face of severe shortages of corn, cotton and sugar, among other crops. The Nov. 24 notice marked the first official admission that the country faces corn shortages, following repeated assurances from the government grain authority that the country has ample reserves.
Special financial support should be offered to those involved in production, processing and circulation of some farm products to counteract looming shortages for short-grain rice, corn, vegetables, cotton, sugar and other crops, the commission said on its website.
CBRC is among several Chinese authorities that have published detailed measures as part of efforts to combat rising prices. Annual inflation rose to a 25-month high in October, largely driven by food price rises.
