Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity - New hi-tech interactive exhibit brings Ontario grain farms to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Growing Connections exhibit showcases grain's journey from field to fork -- and even to the gas tank

TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Grain Farmers of Ontario is proud to be unveiling Growing Connections, one of the largest exhibits at the 2013 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The public is invited to explore the new 1,200-square-foot interactive exhibit that brings the farm to downtown Toronto.

Representing the work of 28,000 corn, soybean and wheat growers in the province, Grain Farmers of Ontario's Growing Connections installation educates visitors about the vast uses of grains using a demonstration kitchen, life-size corn, soybean and wheat crop replicas, a cinema and video gaming centre. The public will also get to meet robots made by Clearpath Robotics, on hand to demonstrate how grain farmers are using technology to advance their industry.

Top Chef Canada 2013 Finalist and Grain Farmers of Ontario Resident Chef Jonathan Goodyear will make special appearances throughout the fair, meeting visitors, demonstrating original grain recipes and judging the Road to the Royal Chef Challenge Finale.

When & Where:

Nov. 1 through 10^th at Grain Farmers of Ontario's Growing Connections exhibit (Hall B) The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Direct Energy Centre

Opportunities:  

Meet: Top Chef Canada 2013 Finalist and Grain Farmers of Ontario's Resident Chef Jonathan Goodyear

• Learn how to cook with grains with Chef Jonathan: Saturday, Nov. 2, noon to 1:20 p.m. at the Grain Farmers of Ontario Growing Connections trailer
• Watch the Road to the Royal Chef Challenge Finale: Saturday, Nov. 2, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Royal Culinary Theatre - Heritage Court
• Try Chef Jonathan's Gluten Free Adobo & Maple Bacon Stuffed Cornbread: Sunday, Nov. 10, noon to 1 p.m. at the Heritage Court Main Stage

About Grain Farmers of Ontario:
Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province's largest commodity organization, representing Ontario's 28,000 corn, soybean and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover 5 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $2.5 billion in farm gate receipts, result in over $9 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 40,000 jobs in the province.

Image with caption: "Grain Farmers of Ontario Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Exhibit, Growing Connections (CNW Group/Grain Farmers of Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131101_C9196_PHOTO_EN_32809.jpg

SOURCE: Grain Farmers of Ontario

Sarah Leone, Citizen Optimum, [email protected], 416-306-6711