Notice to media

AGRICULTURE AND ASTRONAUTS, A MATCH MADE IN SPACE

OTTAWA, Ontario, November 8, 2007 – What does an astronaut have in common with agriculture? Find out on November 9 when Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) welcomes Dr. Robert Thirsk, a Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut, to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.

10:30 a.m.
Dr. Thirsk and Dr. Ted Farnworth, the research scientist from AAFC who developed the Canasnack specifically for the space program in collaboration with CSA, will be available to answer questions on this nutritious snack. Samples will be available for tasting. This event will be held at the AAFC exhibit at the Canada Pavilion in the Main Exhibit Hall.

12:30 p.m.
Dr. Thirsk will welcome 1,000 students to a one-hour Tomatosphere Program presentation in the IAMS Super Dog pavilion in Hall B. Tomatosphere is a national education and outreach program that complements curriculum-based studies in space, agriculture, food and environmental sciences and is supported by AAFC and its partners.

LOCATION:
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
100 Princess Boulevard
Toronto, Ontario

For more information:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-759-7972
1-866-345-7972

Margaret Boyd
Senior Regional Communications Advisor
AAFC Ontario Office: 519-837-5842
Cell: 519-831-3550

Pereina Choudhury
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Mansfield Communications
416-599-0024