The Olympics dominate Canadian news these days. Media from all over the world are in Vancouver covering events, games, athletes, ceremonies and protests. As I look enviously upon all the excitement and media frenzy, it seems as though every newspaper except The Western Producer has a reporter on site. If only there was an agricultural angle that would justify our presence….
But of course there is a deep agricultural angle to the games. It’s food — for the athletes, the organizers, the support staff, the volunteers, the visitors and the whole darned city. A good portion of it likely comes from the Prairies.
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Various agricultural commodity groups have made it known that they are promoting Canadian food at the Games. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Canola Council of Canada, Canadian Beef Export Federation, Canadian Pork Council, Dairy Farmers of Canada and Canadian Horticulture Council all participated in an Olympic-eve promotional event that promoted Canadian food, according to a CCA news release. About 60 journalists were fed and watered with Canadian product and “every journalist had the opportunity to taste,” said the news release. “Many were spotted returning for seconds.”
That may say more about the journalists than the food, but that’s a story for another day. Doubtless all dishes were as delicious as reported.
Another news release, from the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, tells us that all who visit the Saskatchewan pavilion are being encouraged to eat more Saskatchewan-grown lentils. According to the pavilion website, bison burgers, sausages and perogies are also featured, along with other provincial products. Alberta House, that province’s pavilion, is also featuring the diverse food and beverages of Alberta.
You know, if we keep finding all these food and agricultural angles, it might not be too late to dispatch a reporter or two, or maybe even an editor, to check out the Olympics first-hand. If you know of any other connections that would justify the presence of Canada’s largest agricultural newspaper, let me know. Soon. I have my mittens ready.
© VANOC/COVAN
