Canola Learning Centre

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Based on the interest and comments received, the Canola Learning Centre (CLC) project was a hit for the second year in a row.

The CLC project is jointly funded by the Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA), the Canola Council and sponsors. The Council administers the project. A CLC Co-ordinator hired by the MCGA to plan and carry out the event each year.

The goal of the CLC is to educate the public, primarily children, about the world of canola in a fun and entertaining way. The CLC site is located at the James Richardson International (JRI) Kelburn Stock Farm, 10 minutes south of Winnipeg. JRI also provides equipment for touring the site, assistance in running the guided tour, and a section of a barn to house a display and handout literature.

The CLC was run in 1997 as a pilot project and extended for 1998. MCGA and Council have agreed the CLC will be a permanent project. The Canola Council has announced funding for 1999 to setup a CLC in Saskatchewan and another in Alberta, run by the provincial grower groups (see below).

In 1997, the Manitoba CLC ran from July 15 to August 15, 1997 and had over 600 visitors. In 1998, it ran from July 7 to July 29 and had 500 visitors. The CLC was to run to mid August but was cut short due to construction at the JRI farm. Tour requests received prior to the event exceeded 700 people. In 1999, tour dates will be extended to late August with a target of 750 to 1,000 visitors at each CLC.

The CLC Co-ordinator both years was Ellen Kubay who resigned in early July this year to pursue a teaching career. An assistant working for University of Manitoba canola breeder, Dr. Rachael Scarth, ran most of the tours in 1998. JRI staff also assisted in carrying out the tours this past year.

For the first year of the Manitoba CLC, a tent was set up to house the display in a field adjacent to canola and other crops. In 1998, the display was housed inside a barn on the JRI property. The barn is now the permanent location for the display.

The display consists of a 10' X 10' storyboard with eight panels of pictures and text that visually guide the observer through several key messages. The messages include: why farming is an important industry in the province; how canola is harvested, processed, and utilised; the health and nutrition benefits of canola; and the story of biotechnology.

Each group of visitors is brought to the display for a presentation by the Co-ordinator followed by a guided tour of the canola and other crop plots, the farm and it's facilities. Visitors see and learn about the world of growing canola.

During the storyboard presentation, the CLC Co-ordinator discusses canola varieties, growth stages, canola products, processing, and nutritional values. Many questions are asked of the visitors, especially the children, to stimulate discussion. Questions include: 'What do plants need to grow?' The overriding emphasis is on having fun while learning.

In the field the visitors, with some instructions, are asked to investigate the canola and other crops. They search for weeds, disease and insects and for plants at different stages of growth. They are encouraged to touch the canola and take seeds home to plant. To stimulate the learning process and participation in the experience, visitors conduct activities including a scavenger hunt, a science experiment, and weed and pest collection challenges. Visitors report what they find and are then asked to make observations, creating lively discussions. Comparisons are also made between the seeds of the different crops. The CLC Co-ordinator reaffirms certain concepts while touring the canola, including biotechnology. Efforts are made to alleviate biotech concerns expressed by childcare staff, educators and others.

Visitors are also exposed to farm equipment and children get a supervised sit on a tractor. All visitors get a snack of fresh fruit, cheese, crackers and juice.

Most visitors to the CLC have been children and childcare staff. Other visitors have included farmers, new staff to JRI, and interested groups. Most of the children both years were from daycares. The children ranged in age from four to 12 years old. In 1998, over 300 of the children were from daycares.

In 1997, visitors completed a questionnaire. In 1998, verbal comments were collected. Response both years to the CLC tours has been very positive. Comments include ‘it’s a great way to teach children about agriculture’; ‘it’s a wonderful program, we will come back next year’; and ‘kids talked about the centre for days, everyone enjoyed themselves’.

For 1999, based on enquiries received, the plan is to expand the attendance by encouraging visits by older children attending camps and community clubs.

New educational material are being developed for distribution at the Manitoba and the new CLCs.

For more information on the CLC concept, contact the MCGA office (204)745-2178 or the Canola Council office (204)982-2100.

CLCs planned for Saskatchewan and Alberta

The Canola Council Board of Directors has approved funding to work with Saskatchewan and Alberta grower commissions to establish a Canola Learning Centre (CLC) in each of the provinces. The grower commissions will run the Centres. The existing CLC in Manitoba and the two new CLCs will form the national CLC project.

Negotiations are currently underway between Council and the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission and Alberta Canola Producers Commission to develop plans for the creation and production of the new Centres. In addition to local sponsors, a national sponsor for all three CLCs will be sought for 1999.

The target is to have 750 to 1,000 people visit each site for a total of 2,250 to 3,000 for all three Centres in 1999. The main target audience is children and their care givers or educators. New educational materials have been developed and will be shared by the three CLCs. The grower groups and Council will also provide existing educational, nutritional and other materials as additional handouts at the Centres.