Newfoundland and Labrador Class Wins National Agriculture and Food Innovation Challenge

A Grade 6 class from western Newfoundland and Labrador has been named the national winner of a Canada-wide agriculture and food education competition highlighting sustainability and innovation.

Agriculture in the Classroom Canada announced that the Grade 6 class of Nicole Lovell at Templeton Academy captured the top national prize in the 2026 Mission Explorium program.

The competition challenged students in Grades 6 to 8 from across the country to design a sustainable community on a deserted island, using critical thinking and agricultural knowledge to solve real-world problems involving food production, resource management and community resilience.

More than 5,300 students from across Canada registered for the program, which ran from February through May.

Organizers said the Meadows class stood out for its innovative design, creative storytelling and thoughtful approach to sustainable food and community systems.

“Their submission showcased a deep understanding of what it means to be true agriculture and food problem solvers,” Agriculture in the Classroom Canada said in a release.

As the national winner, the class will receive an indoor garden donated by Plantaform to support continued hands-on learning in food production and sustainability.

The class had previously earned the top spot in Region 2, representing Newfoundland and Labrador in the national competition.

Denise Schmidt, executive director of Agriculture in the Classroom Canada, said students participating in Mission Explorium are developing skills that will be essential for the future of Canada’s food system.

“Through Mission Explorium, students are demonstrating the exact skills our future food system will rely on — critical thinking, collaboration, and a deep understanding of sustainability,” Schmidt said.

Agriculture in the Classroom Canada said the program will return in 2027 with new sustainability and agriculture-focused learning challenges for students nationwide.