Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) has appointed Denise Schmidt as its new executive director. With deep roots in agriculture and a career dedicated to collaboration and community-building, Schmidt steps into this role ready to strengthen the foundation of agricultural literacy across Canada.

Raised with a deep appreciation for Canadian agriculture, Schmidt brings decades of experience connecting industry, producers, associations and government. Most recently, she served as senior director of North American Canola Business and Industry Affairs at Cibus, Her background in agronomy, marketing, and business development positions her well to guide AITC-C’s next chapter of support—anchored in the values of education, collaboration, and community.



“Canada’s future food and ag sector depends on our ability to engage our youth—not just as consumers, but as informed citizens, innovators, and future leaders,” said Schmidt. “It’s an honour to lead an organization that supports both our educators and larger industry by helping students see where their food comes from and the people who make it possible. Together with our partners, we’ll continue to build meaningful connections between classrooms, the farm gate and the larger value chain.”

Agriculture in the Classroom Canada is a charitable organization dedicated to helping students across Canada understand and appreciate the role agriculture plays in their lives. With a strong focus on educational tools that reflect the realities of today’s producers and communities, AITC-C is committed to ensuring every student feels connected to our food systems—and to the people who grow and raise our food.

Denise Schmidt can be reached at director@aitc-canada.ca

Source:  Agriculture in the Classroom April 1, 2025 news release