Discover Agricultural Literacy at FVRL

As a regional library serving agricultural areas throughout the Fraser Valley, FVRL is deeply connected with our farming communities and traditions. This March, we’ve joined our municipal partners in celebrating Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (CALM). Supported by BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation and other organizations across the country, this yearly event brings farm education to the classroom for students in Grades K through 12. But regardless of your age, we can all benefit from learning more about agriculture and how it impacts our lives.

Agriculture in the Fraser Valley

Here in the Fraser Valley, agriculture is integral to our history, lifestyle and prosperity. The mild, temperate climate and rich soil provide ideal conditions for year-round farming, making it one of Canada's most productive agricultural regions. The Valley is known as the agricultural heart of British Columbia, accounting for about 40% of the province’s food supply.

This region supports diverse crops, including a variety of fruits and vegetables. The Fraser Valley is often called the “Berry Capital of Canada” due to its extensive production of blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. It’s also a major dairy-producing region, responsible for over 70% of the province’s milk production.

Want to find out more about farming in the Fraser Valley? Learning experiences are all around us! The Valley is a popular destination for agritourism, with farm tours and u-pick operations attracting visitors year-round. Or check out one of the many fairs and festivals, like the Abbotsford Berry Festival, Fort Langley Cranberry Festival or Harrison Tulip Festival.
 

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What Is Agricultural Literacy?

Agriculture touches all of us. Being agriculturally literate means understanding the relationship between agriculture and our food systems, environment and economy.   

Learning about agriculture helps us understand:

• where our food comes from and how it provides nutrients
• agriculture’s role in the economy
• the different agricultural careers available
• sustainable farming and conservation practices
• animal welfare and safety
• the impacts of technology

Supporting Agricultural Literacy at FVRL

Are you ready to upgrade your agricultural literacy? FVRL offers books and resources to improve your farming know-how, as well as farm-related stories that teach, entertain and inspire. Check out our Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month reading lists for kids and adults:

Farms also provide valuable learning opportunities for young children to learn about animals, nature, seasons and the food we eat. In this month’s 1000 Stories early literacy newsletter, we share farm-related stories and activities that parents and little ones can enjoy together:

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Bryan Pezzi is a Marketing and Communications Specialist at FVRL.