Teachers: Give your students something to chew on with the 2nd Annual Our Food, Our Farmers essay contest

Prizes for written essays include Apple iPad® and Kodak PlaySport camcorder

INDIANAPOLIS (November 16, 2011)—Students in grades 4-12 are again encouraged to “chew on” the impact of Indiana foods and farmers for the 2^nd Annual Ag Essay Contest titled “Our Food, Our Farmers: Feeding the World.” This year’s contest explores Indiana’s role as a global agricultural leader.

“The Our Food, Our Farmers contest encourages students to learn about the role Hoosier farmers and food scientists play in a competitive global marketplace,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “By participating in this contest, we hope students will think, read and talk more about Indiana’s rich agricultural history and its future.”

Sponsored by Indiana’s Family of Farmers and Indiana Humanities, the essay contest encourages students to recognize and share all the ways Indiana agriculture plays a positive role in their own lives –as well as in the lives of those around them. The essay competition includes three grade levels: 4-6; 7-9 and 10-12. Entries must be received by Feb. 1, 2012.

Grade Level/Essay Theme:

·         Grades 4-6:

What is the World Food Prize?  Profile either of the two Indiana winners and describe why their work is important.

·         Grades 7-9:

Indiana is a national leader in the production of many of the crops, livestock and food products that the world consumes.  How does this benefit our state?

·         Grades 10-12:  

How do Indiana farmers, companies and researchers play a role in making food products better for consumers?

There will be a first and second place winner from each grade level. First place winners will receive an Apple iPad and second place winners will receive a Kodak PlaySport camcorder.  All winners will be invited to attend a special recognition ceremony on March 8, 2012 in Celebration of National Ag Day.

“Indiana’s family farms, large and small, are committed to providing healthy food for Hoosiers,” said Indiana Agriculture Director Joe Kelsay. “But today's farmers also compete in a global market, which requires research, sound business models and a deep commitment to the environment. We want to help young Hoosiers understand and appreciate the work being done and impact being made from right here in Indiana.”

Entry guidelines can be found at www.indianahumanities.org or www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com.

This contest is part of Indiana Humanities’ two-year Spirit of Competition initiative. Spirit of Competition will celebrate the role competition plays in our lives by examining core elements of competition such as civility, rivalry, innovation, passion and failure.

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