From November 4 to 13, the University of Guelph hosted its Future of Food exhibit at the 100th anniversary of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The exhibit focused on four themes: Food Security, Climate Change, Soil Health and Collaboration.
Missed the Royal this year? See some of the highlights below and check out the Future of Food video . Listen to experts and emerging leaders from U of G discuss the road ahead.
Faith Ehigbor, an Arrell Food Institute Scholar from Nigeria, chatted with a couple who visited the U of G exhibit. He told the couple this would be his first Canadian winter. They returned later with the gift of a pair of mittens to keep him warm.
The Controlled Environment display educated visitors on the effects different colours of lights have on plants.
The University hosted a gala evening with government and industry partners to showcase U of G’s expertise as Canada’s Food University.
The University of Guelph develops germplasm for new and improved crop varieties that are heartier, healthier and higher-yielding.
Dynasty red kidney beans, developed in the Ontario Crops Research Centre in Elora, have been a big winner for Ontario growers.
“Working at this fair has given me the opportunity to learn more about different aspects of our food system. Also, I have met with new, amazing, and interesting workers and attendees at this fair. My speaking skills have improved and ability to hold a quality conversation. I am grateful for this opportunity!” – student ambassador
The University’s booth covered 3,500 sq. ft. and saw thousands of attendees over the course of the week.
“I enjoyed interacting with people on different aspects of the U of G exhibits. Most of the interactions led to interesting conversations and networking.” – student ambassador
The Soil Your Undies display, developed by Soils at Guelph, was a big conversation starter and educated visitors on the relationship between microbial levels and soil health.
(L to R) Evan Tollenaar, Margarita Fontecha and Dr. Alejandro Marangoni present at a panel discussion following the premiere of the Future of Food video. The panel was moderated by Dr. Evan Fraser.
Visitors enjoyed an interactive display from the Canadian Bee Gut Project created by Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe’s lab in the College of Biological Science.