The inaugural NASEF Farmcraft competition just wrapped up, with excited participants from around the world learning about agricultural biotechnology and improving STEM and computer skills in a fun virtual environment.

NASEF Farmcraft™ was presented by the U.S. Department of State and the North America Scholastic Esports Federation, NASEF. More than 700 teams of students entered, joining from 36 countries. This science-based esports competition was open to participants in grades 3-12. Students were enthusiastic about the challenges, the learning—and the fun!

As part of public diplomacy programming in cooperation with U.S. Embassies and Consulates, schools around the world were invited to create teams and join this exciting online event examining the role of innovative technologies in sustainably feeding a growing world. In this international online tournament, students attempted to create agricultural systems that mimic real-world production, trade, and environmental conditions. Teams competed against each other in a variety of biomes presented in the custom world of NASEF Farmcraft. They learned from scientists in the virtual lab about how to leverage available technology and tools as they encountered issues like pests and drought. Winners were selected based on quantifiable metrics (yield, environmental effects) within the competition biomes.

Congratulations to all students who joined. We’re proud to announce the winners:

Check out the VOD recording of the YouTube stream. You’ll hear from the organizers, Minecraft educators, and participating students, plus you’ll see videos from winning teams.

“I’ve had so much fun watching the videos from all the students, as they’ve explored the Farmcraft world and used their creativity to do things I never thought were possible,” said Dr. Adam Cornish, an Agricultural Advisor at the U.S. Department of State.

Throughout the Farmcraft season, experts discussed different aspects of agriculture in the Food for Thought series. Watch the videos in the Farmcraft playlist on NASEF’s YouTube channel.

NASEF Farmcraft demonstrated the value of intertwining play and learning. We’re looking ahead to NASEF Farmcraft 2.0, and students around the world are too! Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of this and other NASEF news.