CropLife Canada shares our story with consumers, students and farmers at the 85th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
CropLife Canada and its members participated in the 85th Annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, which took place November 7-16, 2008 in heart of Toronto. The fair is the largest indoor combined agricultural, horticultural, canine and equestrian event in the world. Over 350,000 attendees, including exhibitors, competitors, international visitors and members of the general public attended this year’s Royal.
CropLife Canada presented a 600 square foot booth space in the Agricultural Innovation area at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. CropLife Canada participated in the Royal in order to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of the benefits, value and safety of plant science technologies and innovations, as well as to position CropLife Canada, its members and farmers as leaders in environmental stewardship. Our participation helped us reach a large audience both from urban and rural backgrounds with positive messages about pesticides and plant biotechnology, and to introduce the solutions offered by agriculture in interactive way
The response to CropLife Canada’s booth was very positive. Our booth components were used to engage both kids and parents alike in learning more about the role our products play in an innovative and sustainable agriculture industry.
Listening to bugs
Kids were fascinated at the opportunity to see and listen to bugs destroying crops, including Colorado Potato Beetles and Army Worms. We were able to explain the damage pests cause and to highlight that these pests are just one of many challenges farmers must face when trying to grow their crops. The look on kids’ faces says it all; this was one of the most popular attractions.
Farmer Frank – Making the same decisions farmers face
Within the booth, there were four computers where participants could play the Farming Frank Challenge and manage their very own farm. In this game, players are faced with similar decisions as real farmers in bringing a apple or potato field to harvest. Success is based on the player’s commitment to environmental sustainability and if they are financally successful. We also supplied copies of the game to try at home.
Food over 100 years
In cooperation with the Culinary Historians of Ontario, CropLife Canada provided an overview of how food has evolved over the last 100 years. The purpose was to explain how modern-day plant science and crop protection technologies are important tools for farmers because they ensure we have access an abundant, affordable food supply.
Cammie the Container – Highlighting farmers’ commitment to recycling
click to enlarge »In order to profile industry and farmers’ commitment to stewardship and recycling, our booth featured a display with empty clean containers and new farm drainage tile to demonstrate how industry utilizes recycled plastic that is collected from farms across Canada. Our container program mascot, Cammie the Container, was on-hand to greet guests and lead them to our booth.
Grow a Bean
The Grow a Bean Centre allowed kids to get their hands dirty. Kids were encouraged to plant a green bean seed, take it home and watch it grow. The purpose of the Grow a Bean was to help kids explain how food is grown and to ensure they understand that in order to bring us an abundant, affordable supply of food, farmers must take care millions of seed just like this. CropLife Canada provided information cards about how to grow their green bean at home and information about what they would have learned from visiting our booth, including the benefits we provide to Canadians; farmers commitment to the environment; and that our industry supports innovative and sustainable agriculture. Over 20,000 green bean seeds in corn-based containers and information cards were given away.
Thank you
We would like to thank all of the staff and volunteers that helped to make sure the exhibit was an enjoyable and educational event for all, including CropLife Canada members, staff and the Ontario Provincial Council for their efforts.
Moving forward – Building on success
CropLife Canada is very pleased with the response from consumers, children, teachers and farmers. Moving forward, CropLife Canada will be examining additional opportunities to continue to promote the messages of this booth. If you would like additional information, please contact Kristina Fixter, Director, Communication and Member Services at fixterk@croplife.ca.