Joining us on this episode is Mike Schreiner, the Leader of the Green Party of Ontario and a member of the Provincial Parliament for Guelph. Mike is here not to talk politics, but to discuss his lifelong passion for food and agriculture. Before politics, Mike was an entrepreneur and advocate for the local food movement.

Mike grew up on a cash crop farm, raising crops and cattle. He worked from 7 am to 7 pm almost every day, and to entertain himself he would practice political speeches by himself. This led to a lifelong interest in politics and brought him to the Green Party, along with his food-based entrepreneurship. He wanted to help build the sustainable food movement in Ontario and knew policy change could only come from within.

Since he began his political journey, the perception of food and agriculture has shifted. Mike wants to spread the connection between farmers and consumers. There’s a greater appreciation for where food comes from and how it’s produced. Social media, for all its downsides, is a great tool for farmers and producers to show people how their environments operate.

When it comes to bridging the rural/urban divide, a leader can help by educating. It’s about communicating why some farmers do things one way over the other and what the market needs. Even during the pandemic, projects like backyard gardens and community gardens were valuable tools to educate.

It’s also important to publicize the loss of farmland and how important it is to protect it. With the disappearance of farmland comes food shortages and price increases. It’s something that needs to be preserved.

Resources: 

Twitter: @mikeschreiner 

Instagram: @mikeschreinergpo 

Email: mschreiner-co@ola.org

AgScape:

Links to all of our most recent activities, resources, and events for Ontario Teachers:
https://linktr.ee/agscape_on
------
Book your free Virtual Lesson on Food and Agriculture for Grades 4-12, available to Ontario Teachers through our Teacher Ambassador Program. Foster Food Literacy in your students!
https://agscape.ca/request-ta
--------------------------
www.AgScape.ca 

About AgScape

Improving nutrition. Reducing waste. Eliminating food insecurity. Fulfilling careers that make a difference. All are critical priorities for today’s youth. 

AgScape is a registered charity that brings the fast-paced and innovative world of agriculture and food to educators and students across Ontario. Our programs expand students’ understanding of the modern food system to help them make informed decisions about they foods they eat, the choices they make, and the breadth of career opportunities that are available to them.

Our engaging, hands-on, curriculum-linked resources and programs provide credible information and multiple perspectives to help educators and students explore the many facets of food and agriculture in Canada. AgScape’s in-class and in-field programs are designed, tested, and regularly updated by certified teachers with specific backgrounds or training in agriculture and food.

Thanks to the support of funders and donors who share our passion to support food literacy and engagement with future generations, AgScape has been a trusted partner and bridge between the agri-food industry and Ontario’s education system for more than 30 years. We continue to evolve and expand our programs to ignite and nurture the curiosity of students, educators, and communities across Ontario.