Prince Edward Island is hosting the 2003 National Agriculture Awareness Conference May 28 to 31. This is the first time the conference, which attracts industry, government and education representatives from across Canada, along with a smattering of international observers, has been held in the province. The conference is aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of agriculture and promoting agricultural education in the classroom.
"We are truly excited about hosting this major conference," said Nancy Reeves, conference chair. "Our planning committee has worked hard at putting together an agenda that is both informative and inspiring. We believe we have been successful."
The keynote speaker is Sir Don Curry, a farmer and agri-businessman from Great Britain. He recently chaired the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food for Great Britain and was awarded a knighthood for his services to the agriculture industry. He was also the chair of the Meat and Livestock Commission during the BSE crisis.
"We have been told he is the most sought-after speaker in British agriculture right now," said Reeves. "His insight into how Great Britain plans to restore the public perception of agriculture following its crisis should be fascinating and instructive."
Several workshops covering a wide range of topics have been planned to encourage conference participants to interact and learn from each others' experiences. Workshops will focus on how each step in producing and processing food can be used to promote agriculture; strategizing sessions on agriculture awareness; and education in the classroom. Two concurrent tours will highlight the province's potato industry and other agricultural opportunities including a tour of the Atlantic Veterinary College.
"Our planning committee is striving to keep this conference national in perspective but with a Maritime flavour," said Janice Whalen, conference coordinator. "We are proud to say that we have speakers and panellists from Nova Scotia to British Columbia."
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Farm Credit Canada, The Prince Edward Adapt Council, Chicken Farmers of Canada, Syngenta Crop Production Canada Inc. and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry are the major supporters of the conference. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is a supporter of agriculture awareness initiatives on Prince Edward Island and elsewhere across the country.
The deadline for registration is March 31. For more information, visit www.peifarm.ca and click on the conference link or phone Janice Whalen at (902) 651-2167, email j.whalen@pei.sympatico.ca.