Agriculture in the Classroom-MB Inc. (AITC-M) has launched a new video to inspire high school students to consider a career in agriculture.

The video, which will be incorporated into the Made in Manitoba breakfast program, is aptly named “Your Life — Your Agriculture.”

The video tries to pique students’ curiosity about the many exciting and diverse careers available in agriculture, while sharing some real stories from those already involved in the industry.

“We have seen the need for a resource such as this for quite some time,” said Johanne Ross, executive director of AITC-M. “Any engaging programming we can offer high school students just adds to AITC-M’s efforts to inspire young students to turn their heads toward agriculture. By letting them get up close and personal with other young people who love this industry, we may just open their eyes to opportunities they never considered before!”

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Ross added that the video will provide exciting perspectives from a current agribusiness degree student as well as a well-known personality in a senior position in the Canadian seed industry.

The video was made possible with funding from the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Canada. The Monsanto Fund has provided multi-year funding to AITC-M’s Made in Manitoba breakfast program since 2011, allowing AITC-M to significantly expand its programming to over 100 rural schools, reaching over 15,000 students across the province.

“The Monsanto Fund is pleased to continue our relationship with Agriculture in the Classroom and bring exposure to the agriculture industry and all it has to offer young people,” said Trish Jordan, public and industry affairs director, Monsanto Canada. “This industry is exciting and growing, and we are going to need young people to fill countless roles in all aspects of agriculture in the future.

Employment opportunities in agriculture are set to increase 15 per cent in all regions across Canada over the next five years.

The video will be used at all high schools participating in the Made in Manitoba breakfast program and will also be shared across the province through social media venues such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

View the Your Life – Your Agriculture video here.