U of G Participates in Royal Winter Fair
November 02, 2010 - News Release
University of Guelph-led innovations, research and community projects will be showcased at this year's Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
The annual fall fair, which runs Nov. 5 to 14 at Exhibition Place in Toronto, attracts more than 350,000 people and is billed as the largest indoor event combining agricultural, horticultural, canine and equestrian exhibits.
This year’s University displays will highlight innovations in bioproducts and animal breeding as well as the interactive EquiMania! exhibit.
U of G will also have a number of information booths on various initiatives, including the BetterPlanet Project, the Taste Real Guelph-Wellington program and the U of G Library’s cookbook collection.
More about these displays:
• Bioproducts. This exhibit will include products made from renewable sources, especially Ontario crops such as soy, corn, wheat straw and switchgrass. These bioproducts can replace non-renewable materials in many manufacturing sectors, including automotive applications. This cutting-edge research is part of the Ontario BioCar initiative led by the University of Guelph.
• Animal breeding. Researchers with the Ontario Veterinary College will showcase a new genetic tool for breeding disease-resistant cattle called high immune response (HIR) technology. This immunity test helps producers identify their healthiest animals through genetic selection based on immune response profiles. HIR is a sustainable approach to improving animal health and food safety.
• EquiMania! Equine Guelph’s EquiMania! exhibit will teach young people about horse health care and riding safety through hands-on activities. Visitors can participate in a scavenger hunt on a mock farm while learning about horse farm safety. The exhibit also includes other educational activities that teach kids about horse anatomy, equine nutrition, different horse breeds and how to care for a horse. Horse lovers and owners can also learn about research and education programs funded by industry partners.
• BetterPlanet Project. U of G's Alumni Affairs and Development will offer information on the BetterPlanet Project, a newly launched $200-million fundraising campaign to improve quality of life for people around the world. The BetterPlanet Project will build on the University’s key strengths: food, environment, community and health.
• Taste Real Guelph-Wellington. The University is part of this new organization of food producers, chefs, tourism operations and government intended to enhance local food and food tourism activities in Guelph and Wellington County.
• Cookbook collection. View cookbooks from the University’s culinary archive, one of the most comprehensive collections of Canadian cookbooks in the world, with thousands of volumes from the 17th to the 20th centuries. This collection includes all cookbooks nominated for the Canadian Culinary Book Awards.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, at 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, or lhunt@uoguelph.ca, or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982 or dhealey@uoguelph.ca.
