State Representative Dubitsky Helps Promote Agriculture Through Literacy

HARTFORD – State Representative Doug Dubitsky (R-47) spent the morning reading to Chaplin Elementary School students as part of a Connecticut Agriculture in the Classroom initiative.

Representative Dubitsky read an agricultural themed book published by the National Geographic titled “Seed to Plant” to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders. The book highlights the importance of plant reproduction, pollen transference, seed dispersals and germination.

As part of the activity, students began bean with seeds germinating in order to plant after they sprout.

“I love reading to children and helping them build an appreciation for agriculture. Many of the kids in Chaplin live on or near farms. It is wonderful that Chaplin Elementary School helps teach our town’s children where their food comes from and how to grow it,” Rep. Dubitsky said.

Last year, more than 3,000 students from 150 schools from various communities across the state were involved in the Connecticut Agriculture in the Classroom event.

The purpose of this event is to not only promote literacy, but to foster awareness on the importance of agriculture all while teaching children about the lifecycle of plants.

According to the Connecticut Agricultural Education Foundation, agriculture within the state adds 4.6 billion dollars to the state economy annually. Sixty percent of the state’s land area is farmland, open space, and forest. In addition, nursery and greenhouse products are the top crops in Connecticut, accounting for 45% of farm receipts.