GENERAL INFORMATION     Alabama Foundation For Agriculture

What is AFFA, Alabama Foundation For Agriculture? AFFA’s Agriculture In The Classroom is a statewide educational program. Its goal is to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of Alabama agriculture in our state’s economy and society.

Why do we need a program like AITC (Agriculture In The Classroom)? 1.7% of the American population resides on farms today.  Thus, the general population is far removed from everyday life on a farm.  Recognizing the importance of agriculture in the state and the declining numbers of those involved in the industry, the Alabama Foundation For Agriculture and it’s AITC program was designed to address the lack of awareness.  The program compliments the Alabama Department of Agriculture AITC program and uses agriculture as a medium to teach language arts, math, science and social studies.  Students gain knowledge about agriculture as they are learning other lessons. By using agricultural products and animals that are familiar to children, such as chickens, eggs, corn or cows, new information and ideas will be more meaningful to students and easier to understand.  Teachers can draw from real-life examples from agriculture to make lessons more interesting and relevant to students. AITC is a wonderful program for teachers and students to achieve their classroom objectives.

Agricultural Resource Learning Barns have been built and placed in schools throughout the state. If you would like to sponsor one of the barns, provide materials for the barns or would like information concerning the resource barns, please contact our office at 256-775-9970.

Our traveling Agriculture Display is utilized across the state in Ag Days, County Fairs and in AG School day activities. This cargo trailer carries props for approximately 8 work stations for students to go through and learn about growing vegetables and crops plus other products produced in the state. Students can also learn about the poultry industry, how to milk a cow or pick apples. It’s a great teaching resource and is available upon request and as schedules permits.