Canola Learning Centre

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The goals of the CLC were:

• to create an education and extension centre for primary children, consumer groups and other interested parties to learn about canola and surrounding issues; and
• to have approximately 200 visitors.

The Centre was based at the Kelburn Stock Farm, 10 minutes south of Winnipeg, MB. A tent was set up in a field adjacent to canola plots and other crops. Inside the tent was a 10' X 10' story board. The eight-panel picture and text display visually guided the observer through several key messages: why farming is an important industry in Manitoba; how canola is harvested, processed, and utilised; the health and nutrition benefits of canola; and the story of biotechnology.

Printed materials provided consisted of Canola Council literature plus others specially designed for the Centre including Sunny’s Canola Fun Pack. Everyone attending the Centre received a take home package which included the Fun Pack, pad of paper, pencil, magnet, Old Dutch chips and a 500 ml bottle of canola oil. The Centre was designed to be a hands-on learning experience.

Each group of visitors was given a guided tour of the canola, the farm and it's facilities. Different varieties of canola had been seeded and visitors learned about the world of growing canola. They were encouraged to touch the canola and take seeds home to plant. The tour was followed by a presentation at the display by the CLC Co-ordinator. To stimulate the learning process and participation in the experience, visitors had access to various activities including a scavenger hunt, a science experiment, and weed and pest collection challenges.

The Centre had almost 600 visitors including 270 children and child care staff and about 325 people from other groups (farmers, new staff to JRI, and other interested groups). The children ranged in age from four to 12 years old and most attend elementary schools. All of the groups except one were from an urban background. At least one group visited as a result of a referral by a previous visiting group.

The CLC Co-ordinator discussed canola varieties, growing stages, canola products, processing, and nutritional values during the crop tour. Many questions were asked of the children to stimulate discussion. Questions asked included: 'What do plants need to grow?' The overriding emphasis was on having fun while learning.

In the field the children, with some instructions, were asked to investigate the canola and other crops. They searched for weeds, disease and insects. The children were told what they found and asked to make observations, creating lively discussion. Comparisons were also made between the seeds of the different crops. The CLC Co-ordinator also explained the concepts of biotechnology while visiting the crops. Older children found it quite interesting and efforts were made to alleviate biotech concerns expressed by child care staff.

The visitor response was very positive. Comments received included:

'It is a wonderful program, we will come back next year and keep up the good work'--child care worker.

'It is important to teach this stuff to the kids; they have lost the connection to the farm'--farmer.

'Keep up the good work; to have young children come out and learn about agriculture is a great way to keep good, new people in the industry'--Gary Martins, Team Landmark.

'The kids talked about the centre for days, everyone enjoyed themselves'--Carol, Assiniboine Day Centre.

'We would welcome any opportunity to visit with Ellen again at the Canola Learning Centre'--Robin, Selkirk Friendship Centre.

Various media visited the site and stories appeared in the Manitoba Co-operator, the Western Producer, and on the Manitoba Farm Report. The media response was quite positive.

A detailed survey was completed by all adult visitors. Age categories of respondents ranged from 18 to 55. A small selection of the questions and replies follows:

Q: Do you use margarine, butter or both?
A: 59% use margarine, 16% use butter and 25% use both.

Q: What type of cooking oil do you buy?
A: Canola oil was first followed by olive, sunflower oil, corn oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, respectively. Some respondents use more than one cooking oil.

Q: Would you come back to the Centre?
A: All replied yes.

Q: What did you enjoy at the Canola Learning Centre?
A: (Long list--available on request.)

A more detailed report which includes all the replies, comments and survey answers, is available on request.

For more information or a copy of the detailed report on the results of the Canola Learning Centre, contact the Canola Council office: 400 - 167 Lombard Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3B 0T6 or call (204)982-2100.