GUELPH, ON

Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) is excited to announce Farm Credit Canada (FCC) as its first-ever “presenting sponsor” beginning in 2010.

Since its inception 17 years ago, COFS has been completely farmer-focused in order to meet the changing needs and interests of Canadian agriculture. FCC has a similar passion. FCC is a long-time exhibitor and has supported many COFS producer events over the years in their ongoing work to advance the business of agriculture.

“This is an excellent partnership,” says Barry Smith, FCC Vice–President of Operations for Western Ontario. “It’s a great way for us to talk with our current customers and to meet new ones involved in all aspects of agriculture. With more than 40,000 people attending the Show every year, this is a tremendous opportunity to build relationships, establish partnerships and share what FCC is about and what we do.”

This announcement comes on the heels of a record-breaking 2009 COFS where 43,800 producers and representatives from agribusiness attended the three–day Show in September with its 700 exhibitors and numerous demonstrations. In 2009, FCC boosted its involvement as the Official Ag Business sponsor with a new location, gold sponsorship of Auction Thursday and sponsoring other Show activities. Now as the presenting sponsor, FCC will continue supporting onsite events.

According to FCC, COFS brings producers together with suppliers by giving them the opportunity to see the latest innovations and learn about new technologies. Both organizations have a passion for agriculture and a desire to nurture greater respect for the agri-food industry with the general public.

“Aligning ourselves with major agricultural companies like FCC reaffirms that Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show has one focus – the success of Canadian agriculture and its farmers,” says COFS President Lorie Jocius. “COFS is pleased to welcome FCC in this expanded role and looks forward to the positive impacts that this partnership will have for the future of our Show.”

For 50 years, FCC has provided financial and business services to Canadian farmers and agribusinesses. Today, FCC has 100 offices across Canada including Woodstock, ON which is home to COFS.

With the shared dedication to Canadian producers of these two organizations, Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show presented by Farm Credit Canada will continue to expand the horizons of Canadian agriculture.

Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show will be held on September 14, 15 and 16, 2010 at Canada’s Outdoor Park in Woodstock, ON.

To watch video highlights from last year’s show please visit www.OutdoorFarmShow.com.