Adding Agriculture

On my previous co-op I had the opportunity to work with the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. As a Canadian I am used to an abundance of natural resources, however, I typically do not think of the work that goes into the production.

There has been a rise of concerns with the Canola Producers due to emerging health trends, diminishing farmers, and the chemicals that are being used on crops. This is why I chose this topic to explore and discuss as an environmental and value-adding approach for our traditional industries to increase sustainability.

Most people are more familiar with Canola/ Canola oil, which is used for cooking and other culinary needs. However, with this being the decade of health and wellness, oils are automatically deemed unhealthy. This is not true. There is a lack of education provided in the agriculture industry. No surprise since there are no lessons taught in school systems.  I have seen commercials how schools should teach children about gardening, and agriculture goes hand and hand. It should be encouraged to learn our roots (no pun intended).

By teaching children about farming it incorporates several different skills. A few of those skills are as a sense of community, responsibility, awareness of the environment, and the sciences behind harvesting, and processing. There are so many different components of agriculture that it could be potentially a course of its own.  This could increase the number of individuals that decide to pursue a career in farming. There currently a focus on office jobs, and trades are being looked over. However as the number of farmers decreases it results in the number of crops decreases. If no one is committed to the industry it will eventually collapse and the public will suffer.

Agriculture is a massive industry which is I specified Canola. My experience has showed me the consequences the public is having on the industry. Even as people go gluten-free it affects those who grow crops. Another aspect to note, are the amount of chemicals being used, and blatant ignorance surrounding the environment. The products being used on crops have an impact on the final crop. It is ideal to remain as natural as possible but people are spraying dangerous and hazardous substances on crops, or in the water, which affects the soil the crops are grown in.  The soil and conditions in which crops are grown also have an impact and need to be assessed and continuously monitored.

It takes a group of people and advanced technology in order to satisfy the need of the current population. The population is constantly growing yet not growing enough supplies to meet the need. Agriculture should be added to the curriculum to increase awareness and to motivate kids to get involved. At the very least they would become educated on the topic and would be able to form accurate factual notes.