Group 9

History

Education

Early Childhood Education

Rural and suburban children of the late 21st Century enjoyed the luxury of outdoor classrooms, and lessons, more so than that of city children. Moves were made throughout the Greater Toronto Area to incorporate agriculture into science, geography, and social sciences. While these shifts were not initially incorporated into the curriculum, teachers took it upon themselves to educate children on the move towards self-harvesting.

City children, unfortunately, were not afforded this kind of education up until the 22nd century. Toronto itself was limited in terms of agricultural and farming opportunities. Children, therefore, experienced limited education in these realms as well. Unable to obtain the hands-on experience of the suburban and rural child, families began moving to larger plots of land, attempting to provide their children homegrown goods, and homeschool education of such disciplines.

The use of technology, which was at the forefront of 21st Century education, began to dwindle. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was once thought to be the future of education. Some hypothesized that schooling would shift entirely, solely using AI. Yet, the rising food costs, and the decisions of those in rural areas to take supporting their community (and communities nearby) into their own hands, resulted in the nullification of this hypothesis. AI was once again a mere tool, not a threat, whereby one could identify seeds and saplings, soil PH levels, and accurately inform farmers on weather patterns. Students began using AI at a young age, to aid their farming. The result was flourishing crops year-round, through a better understanding of climate, geography, and the crops themselves.

Currently, moves are being made to widen the accessibility of homegrown goods and ensure children are educated on new job opportunities within agriculture, agronomy, and horticulture.

University

In 2085, universities in Toronto remained largely familiar, with lecture halls, research labs, and student centers, but subtle shifts reflect the times. With the Agricultural Act prioritizing food education, science courses now integrate agronomy and urban farming into their curriculums. Botany labs include hands-on lessons in hydroponics, while chemistry classes analyze soil composition. Rooftop gardens are standard features, blending practicality with sustainability.

Although traditional degree programs like engineering, medicine, and business remain popular, there’s a growing emphasis on fields connected to agriculture and self-reliance. Environmental science courses increasingly explore sustainable farming methods, while economics programs analyze the impacts of food inflation and monopolization. Even humanities departments engage with the Agricultural Movement, offering courses on the cultural and historical impacts of food scarcity.

Despite these changes, the university environment feels familiar. Students still gather in libraries, and have to write exams. But they’re also increasingly aware of how their education connects to broader societal challenges. Food-related student initiatives, like campus farmers’ markets and co-op gardening projects, have become as common as intramural sports or debate clubs. As a result of this increased exposure to farming, more students are interested in exploring farming as a career after university.

Financially, universities prioritize funding for agricultural research and sustainability projects, but this focus hasn’t upended the balance of education. Programs unrelated to agriculture continue to thrive, and career aspirations remain mostly diverse. The difference is a heightened awareness among students: learning how to grow food isn’t just a niche interest—it’s a useful life skill.

For most, these changes feel practical rather than revolutionary. Growing a plant in a science class or volunteering in the campus garden may not seem transformative, but in a world where grocery prices are so extreme, these small shifts ensure that the next generation is better equipped to navigate an uncertain future.

The Agricultural Movement of 2085 Anthology

The References

Timothy "Timmy" Smith

Elena Smith

Kurt the Farmer

Ethan

Steph