From expertise in pollinator preservation to the use of 3-D printing technology in animal surgery, the University of Guelph’s world-leading research will be on display at the 97th edition of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair this fall.
The fair begins Friday and runs to Nov. 10.
The Toronto-based event celebrates food, agriculture, livestock and horsemanship. The event is the largest of its kind in the world, attracting upward of 300,000 visitors annually.
“As Canada’s food university and one of the top comprehensive universities in the country, we are contributing vital knowledge, innovation and discovery that help drive our country’s global leadership in food,” said Daniel Atlin, vice-president (external). “We are dedicated to ensuring a safe, nutritious and sustainable future food system. U of G’s presence at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair will showcase how we work toward that common goal.”
In collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the University will mount a 2,700-square-foot exhibition highlighting how U of G’s approach to science, technology, the arts and entrepreneurship is changing the way we grow, think about and consume food.
Several LED screens will feature research projects in varied areas from sustainability, dairy production and food labelling to climate change and the changing economy.
New this year is an augmented reality experience in the One Health section of the exhibit, with a look inside leading-edge research on ticks and Lyme disease, horse health, as well as mosquitoes and West Nile virus.
The exhibit will include a 3-D printer component with displays on canine surgical procedures, sustainable automotive parts from U of G’s Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre, and food containers for space travel.
Returning to this year’s exhibit are the Arrell Food Institute’s “Grow Room” – a mobile green space intended to spark discussion of food – and a virtual tour of the University’s Elora dairy facility and the Guelph Intelligent Greenhouse Automation System display.
“For almost one hundred years, The Royal has been a beloved Canadian tradition and an unparalleled celebration of the very best in agriculture, local food and equestrian competitions from across the country,” said Charlie Johnstone, RAWF chief executive officer.
For more information about the fair and to purchase tickets, visit the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair website.