Farm Partners - The Fields of Learning program started 10 years ago as an idea between Camino School and Rainbow Orchards located in the Apple Hill agricultural region of El Dorado County.  This pilot opened up an incredible opportunity for the school’s first graders to attain agricultural and related scientific concepts via hands-on local phenomena-based education.  Seizing the opportunity to share this with more educators and students, we received a grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture that allowed us to expand and offer the program to first through eighth grades and at multiple farm sites. In addition, single day trips have been built off the program framework in the form of Farms, Food, & Fun.

The lessons and program are now very well established and can be transplanted to other farm and agricultural locations.  Farm partners host classes from a local school 3 times during the school year, giving children the opportunity to learn about local agriculture and its role in their community.  Along with the program curriculum, Fields of Learning visits are supported by a coordinator from AITC, FFA student leaders, EDHS Natural Science students and teachers as well as established farm visit guidelines to ensure safety and fun for all.

These programs are an incredible way to not only educate the youth of El Dorado County, but also market your business to teachers, parents, and the county's future as you help instill an  understanding and appreciation of how important and all-encompassing agriculture is in our daily lives.