Growing Together Winter 2026

Growing Future Agriculture Advocates

New executive director brings fresh vision to Ag in the Classroom

Ag in the Classroom Executive Director
Amanda Fletcher

The California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) is proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Since its establishment as a nonprofit in 1986 by the California Farm Bureau, AITC has been a leader in increasing awareness and understanding of agriculture among educators and students.

Over the past 40 years, millions of children throughout the state have learned about food and agriculture in innovative and fun ways thanks to AITC. This success is due, in part, to its engaging resources, including lesson plans (aligned to state standards), What’s Growin’ On? newspaper, Knowin’ What’s Growin’ interactive website, farm-to-school materials, a story writing contest and school garden resources. Additionally, it offers workshops, a monthly newsletter, virtual California Farm Day and an annual teacher conference.

CHAMPION FOR AG EDUCATION

Leading AITC into a new chapter is Amanda Fletcher, who has a deeprooted enthusiasm for ag education. She grew up on her family’s ranch in Dixon, where they grew hay and sunflowers, and raised dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, meat goats, feeder pigs and meat rabbits. She was involved with 4-H, FFA, the fair industry and junior livestock auctions. These experiences inspired her to earn an ag education degree and teaching credential at Chico State.

Following graduation, Fletcher spent nearly a decade at Chico-based BidCal Online Auctions gaining valuable ag business experience, but had a strong desire to return to ag education. She joined AITC as an administrative coordinator in May 2023, then assumed the executive director position in January 2025.

“Ag in the Classroom’s mission has always resonated with me,” Fletcher said. “This role is a way to combine my love for ag education with the business side of the industry.”

VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Fletcher has brought a fresh vision and new energy to the organization. While honoring AITC’s four decades of achievements, she’s enthusiastic about future outreach and projects.

“In 2025, we reached more than 39,000 teachers, which translates to more than 1.3 million students,” Fletcher said. “But there are 6 million students in the state, so we have more work to do.”

Over the next 3-5 years, Fletcher aims to have an even stronger impact by updating and expanding their database, continuing to provide new curriculum and resources, and helping develop Career Technical Education (CTE) career pathways projects.

Improving regional outreach is also a priority.

“We have three program coordinators in Northern, Central and Southern California who intend to visit university credential programs to organize workshops and other events,” Fletcher said. “We also work with county Farm Bureaus and connect with regional groups to reach more teachers and students. It’s been great to see the positive reception. The number of people who discover Ag in the Classroom is incredible and they are so excited about what we offer.”

SHARED COMMITMENT TO EDUCATING YOUTH ABOUT AGRICULTURE

Another key factor in AITC’s success has been the support from California agricultural businesses such as Grow West, which has provided financial and in-kind contributions for more than 25 years. Industry partnerships and donations help AITC educate people about agriculture, which can then help preserve and protect California’s No. 1 industry.

“Grow West strongly believes in our mission and it values the importance of educating the next generation of ag advocates and supporters; it’s a strong partnership,” Fletcher said.

“Grow West is proud of its longstanding partnership with AITC,” said Les Lyman, owner and chairman of Grow West. “We have a shared passion and commitment to cultivate an understanding and appreciation of how important and all-encompassing agriculture is in our lives. We will continue to invest in the organization to help Amanda and her team reach even more teachers and students.”

While AITC relies on loyal supporters like Grow West, there is an ongoing need for additional industry partners and volunteers.

“The more we can work with California ag businesses and organizations, the better for the industry,” Fletcher said.

HOW TO SUPPORT AG IN THE CLASSROOM

• Financial contributions
• Sponsor projects and initiatives
• Volunteer or speak at events
• Classroom presentations
• Field trips
• Agriculture-in-action projects
  

Contact

• Visit learnaboutag.org/ or scan the QR code
• Call 916-561-5625
• Email info@learnaboutag.org