Agriculture & Food Careers Initiative
Promoting agriculture & food careers initiative
The Promoting Agriculture and Food Careers Initiative provides funding to agricultural societies to share information about careers in the agriculture and food industry, in an effort to close the workforce gap and promote exciting career options. This project highlights the opportunities and benefits of working in agriculture and food in Ontario, such as competitive salaries and benefits, a diverse range of opportunities, and contributing to a sustainable local food economy.
One incredible initiative with two parts
Part 1 is operated by AgScape (funding provided by OMAFA), and part 2 is operated by OMAFA. Agricultural societies are able to participate in both parts of this initiative each year.
Part 1
Agricultural societies will register with AgScape to receive a full “Booth in a Box” with new engaging materials to be displayed at their fairs and events. Agricultural societies that participate in this initiative can receive $500 per fair day from OMAFRA, up to a maximum of $5000 per calendar year (for up to a maximum of 10 fair days per year).
Please note: Agricultural societies are only eligible for this funding if they register and display the NEW material for 2025. They can incorporate existing materials from previous years into the booth but must receive and set up the new materials.
When you submit your annual report to OMAFA at the end of 2025 and your information is verified, you will receive your reimbursed funds.
Agricultural societies are strongly encouraged to have a person staffing the booth to engage visitors (see Part 2 for possible compensation).
New this year: If an agricultural society has a ‘flagship event’ in addition to their fair, they can register and receive the materials for that event as well. To qualify as a ‘flagship event,’ attendance must be at least double the attendance at their annual fair.
Part 2
Agricultural societies can receive up to $1500 per year to create their own promotional materials and activities that highlight local industry careers in the organization’s geographic proximity. This funding can be used to compensate someone to staff the careers booth, to bring in a speaker or workshop facilitator, or to create materials to distribute (within the guidelines).
How to Participate in Part 1
Step 1
Step 2
In the AITC Dashboard, click the orange “Sign up now!” button to register for a free AITC account through AgScape. If you already have an account, you can log in.
This account gives you access to hundreds of FREE resources, such as ag-themed lesson plans, activity and game ideas, and worksheets and colouring pages that you can use at your events!
Creating an account involves providing your name, province, and email address, creating a password, and consenting to receive the AgScape e-newsletter.
Step 3
After you click “Submit”, a verification email will be sent to the provided email address. Open your email and click on the message titled “AITC – Agriculture in the Classroom – Account Verification”. In the email, click the “click here” link to verify your AITC account.
Step 4
After you verify your account, you will be brought to the AITC dashboard. A notification box will appear on your screen asking you to provide more information about your role. You can fill it out OR you can click the “Skip for now” button and information can be added to your account at any time through your profile settings.
Step 5
Another notification box will appear confirming your account has been successfully created. Click the “Okay” button to continue to the registration for the initiative.
Step 6
Once on the registration page, select the “2025 Booth in a Box” program. Then click the “Register” button.
Step 7
You will then need to define your role. A notification box will appear; click the “+Add a role” link at the bottom of the box and select the “Other User” role.
Step 8
Please fill out your organization name. When choosing your organization, click the “Organization” text box. This will bring you to another notification box. Click the drop-down menu and type in the name of your agricultural society. Click on the name of your organization once you have finished typing it. Next, click the “My organization only has one chapter” button.
Step 9
Fill in your society’s mailing information.
Step 10
Finish filling in your role, number of youth supported (estimated number of youth at your event, put 0 if you are unsure), number of adults supported (number of adults at your event, put 0 if you are unsure). Click the “submit” button.
Step 11
To continue registration, click the “Next” button at the bottom of the notification box. Select the circle next to the “Other User” title (the role you just created).
Step 12
Fill in the following information:
- Number of students/attendees expected at your event (this can be based on last year’s event attendance, if known)
- Select the “Adult Education” box
- Select what subjects your fair pertains to
- Fill in the information of your society’s primary contact (this will be the person that is contacted about this initiative)
- Fill in the shipping information for where you would like the booth materials to be sent
- Fill in your event’s details
- Select your language preferences
- Confirm the details you provided
- Click the “Submit” button
Within 3 business days you will receive email confirmation of your registration.
What is included in the Booth in a Box
Tabletop tri-fold poster display
Cultivate Your Careers magazines
AgScape program guides
AgScape postcards
Stickers
Food production career flipchart – “The journey from blueberry to pie”
Career table banner
Display holders for the magazines, postcards, and stickers
Note: all print materials are available in both English and French
You will also receive a written training manual and a video that show you exactly how to set up the booth.
Note: Under the eligible funding for Part 2 of this initiative, you can provide compensation for someone to staff the booth so they can engage your visitors in learning more about careers! This could be a local farmer or other industry professional, educator, student, or staff from an external related organization.
A webinar will be held with OAAS and AgScape to further explain and answer your questions. A recording will also be available after.
When you submit your annual report to OMAFA at the end of 2025 and your information is verified, you will receive your reimbursed funds.
Learn how to create an AITC account: step-by-step instructions
Learn how to register for Booth in a Box: step-by-step instructions
