Features Production Research
Ontario tomato grower heading west, thanks to Bayer and Dow

Dresden, Ontario tomato grower
Jerry Goethyn is heading to California in February 2006 – courtesy of
Hot Potatoes, a comprehensive rewards program designed especially for
producers of horticultural crops.

Jerry Goethyn

Dresden, Ontario tomato grower Jerry Goethyn is heading to California in February 2006 – courtesy of Hot Potatoes, a comprehensive rewards program designed especially for producers of horticultural crops.
 
Goethyn will join approximately 100 other horticulture growers from across Canada, and upon arrival in Palm Springs, California, participants begin their adventure with tours of the Living Desert Museum, a windmill farm and several horticultural operations in the Coachella Valley before heading next through the Imperial Valley en route to San Diego. While in the San Diego area, travellers will have options of doing a “Behind the Scenes” tour of the world famous San Diego Zoo, a tour of the USS Midway or enjoy Balboa Park with its 13 different museums. Yet to be announced is a highlight exclusive group event organized to surprise participants prior to an elegant farewell evening aboard the Chere Amie, an
80-foot yacht reserved exclusively for a personal cruise around San Diego harbour.

Goethyn won the trip in a Hot Potatoes contest by submitting 2004 invoices for qualifying crop protection purchases. From those entries, a random draw was made. Goethyn learned of his win with a phone call from Bayer CropScience.

“Our suppliers submitted the invoices on our behalf so it was a completely wonderful surprise when I received the call,” says Goethyn. “I’m really looking forward to the trip. I’ve never been to California and I anticipate learning a lot from the tours and from the other growers I’ll be travelling with. It’s a fabulous opportunity thanks to the Hot Potatoes program.”

Hot Potatoes is a rewards program offered jointly by Bayer CropScience and Dow AgroSciences. Growers earn one point for every dollar spent on qualifying crop protection products from the two companies. Rewards include gift certificates at leading Canadian retailers and vacation packages. The big prize this time – earned with 100,000 points – is a one-week trip to California and includes airfare, accommodations, most meals and many interesting tours.

“Participants always come away with valuable insights from both the tours and the opportunity to visit with other growers from across Canada,” says Greig Zamecnik, portfolio manager with horticulture for Bayer CropScience. “The most common feedback we receive is how much you can learn while having a great time. From the companies’ perspective, it’s a great way to thank our customers for their business.”