Why Agriculture in the Classroom?

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New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom (NMAITC) is a non-profit educational outreach program funded primarily by the membership of the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau. The purpose of NMAITC is to educate the general public, with an emphasis on K-12 students and educators, about the importance of agriculture.

For the first time in U.S. history, more people are living in cities than in rural areas. It is apparent that there is a growing need to teach people about the true origins of the food and fiber systems especially as more generations are moving away from farms and ranches. Misconceptions about how products get from the farm/ranch to the supermarket shelf abound. Activist groups and organizations spreading incorrect information are also making it difficult for farmers and ranchers to share the true benefits of agriculture with consumers. NMAITC serves as a pathway to get accurate information/resources about agriculture into various educational venues.

NMAITC is a program designed to promote the future of agriculture. There are many challenges facing agriculture that need serious attention.  For instance, the number of farms and ranches in the U.S. has continued to decline at an alarming rate since the 1940's. Presently, U.S. farmers and ranchers make up only 2% of the U.S. population. There is a growing concern that agriculture production will not be able to keep up with future global population growth. NMAITC works to inspire our future generations to choose careers in agricultural sciences in order to help address these important issues.

Through education, NMAITC strives to foster in students an appreciation of our farmers and ranchers and an understanding of the importance agriculture plays in our everyday lives.  The NMAITC program is instrumental in continuing to create educated consumers and voters on which the future of our great nation depends. Thank you for your interest in NMAITC, please contact us for more information and current events.