A Surrey teacher has been recognized for his "outstanding" work in agricultural education innovation.

Fleetwood Park Secondary's Shon De Vet, who teaches Grades 10 to 12 in culinary arts, was handed down the title of Outstanding Teacher in Agriculture by the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation.

鈥淎s a teacher, it鈥檚 important to connect students to B.C. agriculture because it fosters a deeper understanding of local food systems, the economy and sustainability,鈥� De Vet said in a press release.

鈥淏y teaching them where their food comes from, we encourage healthier choices, respect for Indigenous traditions and critical thinking about environmental issues.

鈥淚t鈥檚 about inspiring them to care for the land and make choices that contribute to a sustainable future.鈥�

De Vet received the title at the BC Agriculture Council鈥檚 BC Agri-Foods Industry Gala after a lifelong passion for food education and more than 30 years of experience and expertise as a Red Seal chef to his classes.

The Surrey teacher has been an advocate for agriculture education and has made it a priority to educate his students about B.C. food and farming.

De Vet became a teacher six years ago, in that time including sustainability, local food systems and agricultural history into his classes, fostering student interest in the topics. 

For other teachers who may want to include such subjects into their lesson plans, De Vet recommends to find natural connections between agriculture and the topic they are teaching.

鈥淪hare the history of food, cultural influences and the contributions of Indigenous communities to our culinary traditions,鈥� he said.

鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 have to be a massive production 鈥� simple connections to agriculture can create a meaningful learning experience.鈥�