Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz spent a busy day recently at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, opening the Canada Pavilion and presenting an award at the Canadian Culinary Book awards.
That event had a connection to Wellington County.
At the opening of the Canada Pavilion, Ritz announced a $150,000 AgriMarketing investment to help with the promotion of the fair, as well as the setup, establishment, and operation of the International Business Centre (IBC).
“Agricultural fairs, such as the Royal, are a great way to raise the profile of Canadian agriculture in world markets,” said Ritz. “The International Business centre provides buyers and sellers a place to meet and close the deals that drive our farms and our economy.”
At the Canadian Culinary Book awards, Ritz and founder of Cuisine Canada, Anita Stewart, of Elora, presented the Founder’s award to Canadian culinary icon Elizabeth Baird for her excellence and creativity in food and beverage writing and publishing.
“Canadian chefs and food writers are a vital link between the farm gate and the consumer plate, getting the message out that great Canadian cuisine begins with our great Canadian food stuffs,” said Ritz. “I’ve had the great privilege to work along side Anita Stewart and an array of top Canadian chefs as we promote Canadian agricultural products to the world – they are a key part of our recipe for global agricultural success.”
The Canada Pavilion is a travelling exhibition that participates in various events across the country. The theme of this year’s Pavilion is Canada’s biodiversity, recognizing that 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity. Government departments and agencies participating in the Canada Pavilion at the fair this year include Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Service Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canada Revenue Agency, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Industry Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada, and the National Capital Commission.
