From learning about aquaponics to seeing how lights can be used to grow plants on Mars, visitors to the 2018 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF) will view cutting-edge research and innovation to be showcased by the University of Guelph.

Under a new five-year agreement making U of G a foundational partner of the RAWF, the University has created a 2,700-square-foot exhibit for the fair in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The exhibit highlights how U of G’s approach to science, technology, the arts and entrepreneurship is changing the way we grow, think about and consume food.

“The University of Guelph is Canada’s food university and one of the top comprehensive universities in the country,” said Daniel Atlin, vice-president (external). “Our innovations and discoveries are helping Canada become a global leader in safe, nutritious and sustainable food. The Royal is an ideal venue for U of G to showcase how we are helping sustainably feed and support a growing world population and training the agri-food leaders of tomorrow.”

Running Nov. 2-11 at Exhibition Place in Toronto, the RAWF is the world’s largest indoor agricultural event and draws 300,000 visitors annually.

Visitors to U of G’s exhibit can learn about research in agri-food, the environment and health, including bioproduct samples, plant-growing demos and a virtual reality tour of U of G’s state-of-the-art dairy research facility.

 

U of G will also be the presenting sponsor of the RAWF’s educators’ symposium on Nov. 9. The symposium will showcase traditional and non-traditional careers in food and agriculture.

“We’re thrilled to have the University of Guelph on board as a Royal partner,” says Charlie Johnstone, chief executive officer of the fair. “The quality and sustainability of the food we eat has become a hot button for Canadian consumers, and the University has earned global renown for its work in this sector. With this agreement, the Royal will become a showcase for the innovation and agri-food leadership we have come to expect from the University of Guelph.”

For more information about the fair and to purchase tickets, visit www.royalfair.org.