A new virtual reality (VR) tour of a berry farm is offering Canadians a unique opportunity to experience the intricacies of food production on a berry farm. These immersive 360-degree experiences, from www.FarmFood360.ca, allow users to explore the realms of agriculture from the comfort of their homes or classrooms.
The tour transports viewers to Howe Family Farms in Aylmer and Thames River Melons in Innerkip, where the intricate process of growing strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries is vividly brought to life.
Funded by Berry Growers of Ontario (BGO) and the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC), this tour is a collaborative effort to educate the public about the journey of Ontario's berries from fields to tables.
Victoria Eastman Buma, from BGO, expresses excitement about this initiative, highlighting the importance of understanding how beloved Ontario berries are cultivated.
“So many people enjoy Ontario berries but haven’t had a chance to see how our farmers are able to get them from their fields to our tables,” said Victoria Eastman Buma, Research and Promotion Coordinator from BGO. “We are excited to have had the opportunity to partner with FFCO and be able to offer that experience to Canadians.”
Peter Katona, Communications and Industry Relations Manager for the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) explained that the berry VR project was partially funded through AAC’s FarmFood360 program. The program supports up to half of the costs of completing a VR project for AAC member organizations. Katona said, “The intent of the program is to apply the most innovative and current examples of transparency available, to help earn public trust in food and farming,” He added, “We’re just delighted that BGO used this funding to complete the new berry tour and hope other members will apply for similar funding in 2024.”
These VR experiences are part of a larger endeavor by www.FarmFood360.ca, which, since 2016, has filmed over 25 Virtual Reality farm tours. The website annually attracts over a million visitors, eager to learn about Canadian farms.
This innovative approach not only educates the public about agricultural practices but also connects them with the hardworking families behind Canada's food supply. As technology advances, these virtual tours represent a significant step towards bridging the gap between consumers and the agricultural community, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the farm-to-table journey.