Rural Oxford EDC teams up with Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show on new exhibit
The Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation has joined Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) to create a Discover Rural Oxford exhibit.
“The exhibit will bring local fare to an international stage, said Rural Oxford EDC economic development officer Crystal van Roekel.
The exhibit is an exciting initiative set to debut at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show, the country's premier agricultural event. The exhibit aims to spotlight the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape of Rural Oxford.
The Discover Rural Oxford tent will host four distinct Rural Oxford businesses on each of the show’s three days. Those businesses selected will then have the opportunity to showcase their products and offer visitors an interactive experience, allowing them to taste, touch, or try locally sourced goods firsthand.
“The vendors will have the opportunity to sell their products directly onsite, giving rural businesses access to a larger market stage,” van Roekel said.
“By providing a platform for Rural Oxford businesses to engage with a diverse audience of local and international visitors, Discover Rural Oxford promotes economic growth within the region and fosters connections between producers and consumers in the agricultural community.”
This innovative, market-style approach promises to unlock new opportunities for Rural Oxford's entrepreneurial ecosystem while enriching the overall experience of attendees at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show. Participants will benefit from the exposure at the three-day event and be included in an extensive marketing campaign through Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show and Rural Oxford EDC channels.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to add a new dimension to our event which attracts over 36,000 visitors,” said Carol Carson, COFS sponsorship and partnership lead.
“Twelve Rural Oxford business participants will benefit from being showcased alongside a diverse array of businesses spanning the agriculture sector at the show. We highlight not just agriculture but also manufacturing, technology, tourism and agri-food enterprises, many of which hail from southwestern Ontario.”
“We look forward to bringing this exhibit to such a staple event in our community and being able to champion our Rural Oxford businesses on this platform,” added van Roekel.
For over 30 years, Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show has been bringing together visitors and exhibitors from across Canada and beyond to showcase the newest and most-innovative products and technology in agriculture. It takes place on Sept. 10, 11 and 12.
Participating businesses will have use of the booth at no charge and van Roekel said it will be a wonderful opportunity for them to introduce themselves in new markets.
"By showcasing these businesses at the farm show, which attracts a large and diverse audience, the project provides an opportunity for Rural Oxford businesses to access a wider market that they may not have been able to reach otherwise in a short amount of time.”
She added a dedicated social-media campaign spotlighting the participating businesses will amplify visibility across various platforms.
“This concerted effort maximizes exposure for the businesses, reaching a broader audience and generating increased interest in their products and services,” van Roekel said.
The rural Oxford businesses have the chance to network with other vendors, industry professionals and attendees, fostering connections that can lead to future collaborations and opportunities for growth.
Rural Oxford businesses that are interested in applying for this program can find the application form at https://ruraloxford.ca/discover/.
Only businesses located in a rural Oxford township are eligible and preference will be given to those who meet program eligibility.
Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette
