Local students got a glimpse into their possible futures in the ag industry on Monday.

As part of Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month, grade six students in Carman received a visit from Manitoba Agriculture Minister Blaine Pedersen who shared on the innovative new ways technology is impacting farming including drone technology, driverless combines and agri-science like beyond meat products.

With one in eight jobs in Manitoba related to the ag industry, he hopes students will see the opportunities directly, or more likely indirectly tied to farming.

"There's just tremendous opportunity for anyone, no matter where you live. You don't have to be from a farm to participate in agriculture these days," he says, adding Manitoba is growing rapidly in the food sciences as well.

However, with so many Manitobans growing up in urban centres he says the challenge remains to educate people on farmer's commitment to producing safe, wholesome food.

"We don't have that grandparent on the farm, that connection has really disappeared," Pedersen says.

The month-long campaign is organized by Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba. Executive Director Sue Clayton notes hosting Pedersen is the perfect way to bring agriculture and education together.

"We envision a future where all Manitobans are agriculture literate. Giving students opportunities to learn where their food comes from is integral to achieving our vision."