Agriculture comes to the city for 10 days

Agriculture comes to the city for 10 days during the Red River Exhibition Farm Fun Zone. The Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA) and Monsanto Canada will be launching a new display at the largest fair in Manitoba, the Red River Ex, June 24 at 5:00 pm. The Red River Ex attracts over 200,000 people from across Manitoba, Canada and USA each year and based on exit surveys in 2003, over 80% of fair goers are coming back this year.

MCGA and Monsanto Canada are teaming up to make agriculture awareness a fun event with the launch of a renovated 1,950-unit bushels grain bin display. The unique and interactive display area, located in Farm Fun Zone, is a place for visitors to gather general information about canola and crop biotechnology; view samples of various edible and non-edible products derived from canola; and entertain the kids at a special children's station that features a canola "sand" box, a crushing station to make oil and a colouring contest.

MCGA values the opportunity to meet and talk to consumers and answer their questions about canola and agriculture in general. Places like the Red River Ex provide the urban consumer an opportunity to gather information in a fun way and through the grain bin, visitors can link the food they consumer every day back to the farm.

MCGA fully believes in partnerships and has provided many educational learning opportunities for students, teachers and consumers including partnering with Ag in the Classroom, Canola Learning Centre at JRI's Kelburn Farm and most recently, the renovated bin display with Monsanto. Monsanto Canada is also a strong supporter of agricultural education initiatives across Canada and supports a number of programs including the Agriculture Biotechnology Education (ABE) Curriculum in Winnipeg high schools, Ag in the Classroom, university entrance scholarships, support for 4-H clubs and many other projects. "The partnership with Monsanto allows us to inform consumers of the benefits of canola and the importance of agriculture to our community", says Pruden, Education and Promotion Coordinator.

MCGA first participated at the Red River Ex in 1997 to celebrate the Farm Family of the Year award to Bruce and Carol Dalgarno. Today, MCGA and other ag related groups will participate in the Family Fun Zone at the 10-day Red River Ex running June 24 - July 3, 2004.

MCGA is a non-profit organization made up of members, directors and staff whose mandate is to enhance profitability for Manitoba canola growers through research, marketing and policy.

For More Information Contact:

Ellen Pruden
Education and Promotion Coordinator
Manitoba Canola Growers Association
Tel: (204) 982-2107
prudene@mcgacanola.org