Features Production Research
More than 180 exhibitors so far for hort trade show

April
12, 2011, Simcoe, Ont – More than 180 agriculture companies have signed up to
be a part of the first-ever Canada’s Fruit & Veg Tech X-Change, a showcase
of some of the best technology, equipment and products available to growers.

April
12, 2011, Simcoe, Ont – More than 180 agriculture companies have signed up to
be a part of the first-ever Canada’s Fruit & Veg Tech X-Change, a showcase
of some of the best technology, equipment and products available to growers.

From
September 1 to 3, 2011, this outdoor horticulture trade show will bring
together producers from across the province – and beyond – to a 200-acre venue
on the shore of Lake Erie near Simcoe, Ont. A wide range of exhibitors serving
the row crop, tobacco, orchard, vineyard and greenhouse sectors have already
started planning for this event.

“We
know September can be a busy time for producers depending on the season, but
progressive producers will make the time to come” said Jordon Underhill,
founder and general manager of the X-Change. “Together, we’re building a
Canadian showcase we can all be proud of. The leaders in the industry have
answered with tremendous support and will display and demonstrate the latest
technology and products on the market.”

The
show’s first two days will focus on professional development and networking
workshops exclusively for producers. Friday’s events will wrap up with a “Pride
in Growing” dinner and dance.

On
Saturday, the X-Change will welcome more commercial-sized producers and the
growing segment of weekend farmers. There will be an Ontario-grown farmers
market, live equipment auction and educational events, including the 4-H
Ontario Passport Challenge.

For
growers interested in green technology, there’s the Sun Harvest X-PO, a special
showcase within the trade show that will feature more than 20 solar power
providers showing their panel technology live, in operation.

There’s
also the Destination X-Change program – a special VIP treatment for producers
from the Leamington, Niagara and Holland Marsh regions. Eligible producers will
receive a complimentary coach ride to the X-Change, subsidized admission and a
fresh local foods lunch.

Some
of the major sponsors already signed up include EthoSolar, The Grower, Dodge
Trucks, R&D Energy Solutions, Sunrise Equipment Auctions, BriteSpan
Building Systems and TD Canada Trust.