Florida in the Classroom Celebrates 17 Years 

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – August 12, 2003 – Florida Ag in the Classroom, Inc. (FAITC)  is celebrating 17 years of helping teachers and students develop a better understanding of the food and fiber system and the role of Florida agriculture in the economy and society.

FAITC was established on Aug. 12, 1986, to develop agricultural curricula and materials to for teachers to use toward educating Florida’s youth about agriculture.

Over the past 17 years, the FAITC program has reached more than 350,000 students from the Panhandle to the Keys.

“The FAITC program is making a difference,” said FAITC Chairman, Scott Emerson.  “So many students have been reached with the message of agriculture because of this organization and we are dedicated to continue to offer programs and resources in the pursuit of education about agriculture.”

The non-profit organization is funded solely by proceeds from the Florida agricultural license plate, or Ag Tag. 

Through the support of Florida citizens who purchase an Ag Tag, FAITC is able to provide free in-service workshops to teachers and develop interdisciplinary resource materials that are integrated with the Sunshine State Standards.  FAITC has also provided more than $213,000 in the past 4 years for teacher grants for projects such as agricultural gardens in schools and volunteer grants for events like Ag-Ventures and farm tours.

The mission of FAITC is to help teachers and students develop a better understanding of our multi-faceted agricultural system and its relationship to our economy, environment, health and quality of life.

For more information, please contact Lisa Gaskalla at 352/846-1391 or visit our web site at www.agtag.org.