AgScape and FoodGrads partner to inspire Ontario youth in food and beverage careers

AgScape has announced a new partnership with FoodGrads, an interactive platform focused on helping  close the gap between students, graduates and employers in the food and beverage industry in Ontario.

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Through this partnership, AgScape and FoodGrads said in a release they will leverage their combined expertise, resources and networks to increase awareness of the food and beverage processing (FBP) sector among youth in Ontario and inspire them to pursue meaningful careers within the sector.

The collaboration will be executed through a multifaceted approach. Initiatives include “From This to That: Food Processing in Canada,” classroom lessons tailored for students in grades four to six delivered by skilled AgScape Teacher Ambassadors.

In addition, FoodGrads will run interactive stations at AgScape’s thinkAG Career Competitions to engage with students in grades five to 12 and showcase a wide range of careers in the sector.

The two organizations will also collaborate on offering virtual field trips that allow K-12 students to explore Ontario’s innovative food system and meet experts in the field of agriculture and food.

The collaboration is funded by the governments of Canada and Ontario through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

The FBP sector in Ontario employs more Ontarians and contributes more to the province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) than other types of manufacturing, yet labour shortages is a growing concern.

“Food processing career paths are simply not part of the conversation in school, yet it’s an industry that isn’t going anywhere—we all eat—and that’s not going to change; we’re thrilled to work with AgScape to inspire youth to explore a rewarding and meaningful career,” said Nicole Gallace, Founder and Talent Solutions Manager at FoodGrads.

She added that due to technological advancements and innovation, “there has never been a more exciting time to join the food and beverage processing industry.”