Horticulture Events in Canada

PALSA - Advancing sustainable agriculture and food research

PALSA Conference: Advancing Sustainable Agriculture and Food Research Through Synchrotron Science

The PALSA Conference—officially titled Advancing Sustainable Agriculture and Food Research—is more than just a scientific gathering. It represents a significant milestone in the intersection of agricultural innovation, environmental responsibility, and advanced imaging science. Held in Saskatoon, Canada, and organized by AgWest Bio Inc., the conference draws attention to one of the most cutting-edge tools in agricultural research today: synchrotron light sources.

This unique event brings together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and technology developers to explore how synchrotron-based imaging can solve some of agriculture’s most pressing challenges—from soil health and plant productivity to food safety and processing efficiency.

A Powerful Collaboration Backed by Canadian Innovation

The PALSA Conference is made possible thanks to strong collaboration between public and private entities. It receives vital support through funding from the Government of Canada and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, as part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP).

This strategic funding initiative reflects a clear national commitment to:

Driving sustainable agricultural practices

Encouraging the adoption of high-impact technologies

Enhancing Canada’s role as a global leader in agri-food innovation

By supporting the PALSA Conference, these agencies help ensure that academic research translates into real-world applications, strengthening both industry performance and environmental resilience.

Why Synchrotron Research Matters to Agriculture and Food Science

For those unfamiliar with synchrotrons, they are powerful particle accelerators that produce intense beams of light—millions of times brighter than the sun. This light is used to probe the molecular and atomic structure of materials, making it an ideal tool for detailed analysis of biological, chemical, and physical properties in agricultural contexts.

Key applications of synchrotron science in agriculture include:

Analyzing soil nutrient distribution for precision farming

Mapping trace minerals in plants to improve yield and resilience

Examining food microstructures to enhance processing and shelf life

Studying plant-pathogen interactions at the cellular level

Characterizing contaminants and residues in food products

Such imaging capabilities allow researchers and industry professionals to see what was once invisible, leading to smarter decisions and more sustainable outcomes.

Who Should Attend the PALSA Conference?

The PALSA Conference is designed to bridge science with industry, and therefore welcomes a wide spectrum of participants—from technical experts to business strategists.

Ideal attendees include:

Agricultural researchers and scientists

Food industry professionals and R&D teams

Synchrotron facility users and technical staff

Policy makers and funding organizations

Technology transfer specialists and incubators

Environmental and sustainability officers

Agri-tech startups and innovators

With carefully curated programming, PALSA ensures each stakeholder finds value, whether it’s discovering a new research technique, building partnerships, or exploring funding opportunities.

A Forum for Knowledge Sharing and Commercial Opportunity

One of PALSA's core missions is to increase awareness about the practical potential of synchrotron tools in agriculture. Through a robust mix of scientific presentations, case studies, and panel discussions, the conference showcases real-world success stories and encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Common themes and discussion tracks include:

Sustainable crop production using synchrotron imaging

Improving food quality and shelf life with molecular analysis

Understanding soil and nutrient interactions at micro-levels

Advancing food packaging through materials science

Tracking environmental contaminants and ensuring food safety

By facilitating conversations between researchers and potential end users, PALSA helps ensure that science is translated into action—and not just in the lab.

A Spotlight on Canadian Synchrotron Leadership

Saskatoon is home to the Canadian Light Source (CLS), one of the world’s most advanced synchrotron facilities. The presence of the CLS gives the PALSA Conference a unique geographic and scientific advantage. Attendees benefit from direct access to world-class researchers, technical demonstrations, and site tours that bring the abstract world of high-energy light science to life.

Furthermore, the CLS is deeply involved in agriculture and food science research, making Saskatoon not just a host city—but an epicenter of synchrotron-driven agri-innovation.

Building Bridges: From Research to Industry Adoption

Despite its immense potential, synchrotron research remains underutilized in the mainstream agricultural industry. The PALSA Conference is helping to change that by acting as a matchmaking platform between:

Research institutions with deep technical expertise

Industry stakeholders seeking applied solutions

Government bodies offering support and incentives

Innovators and startups building new tools based on synchrotron insights

This collaborative approach ensures that the outcomes of research projects are aligned with industry needs and capable of delivering commercial and environmental returns.

Why PALSA Matters Now More Than Ever

Global agriculture is facing unprecedented challenges: climate variability, soil degradation, food insecurity, and supply chain instability. Addressing these complex issues requires precision tools and collaborative thinking.

The PALSA Conference arrives at a time when:

Producers are seeking efficiency gains without environmental trade-offs

Consumers demand higher food quality and safety

Governments are investing in climate-smart agriculture

Technological breakthroughs in agri-science are accelerating

PALSA connects these drivers through the lens of synchrotron innovation, helping agriculture move from traditional models to a future-ready, data-informed paradigm.

PALSA as a Launchpad for the Future of Agri-Food Innovation

The PALSA Conference stands as a bold statement that science and sustainability must go hand in hand. By placing synchrotron technology at the center of agricultural transformation, it inspires new ways of thinking, working, and innovating.

With support from national and regional institutions, the event lays the groundwork for:

Smarter food production systems

Advanced food safety protocols

Sustainable farming practices

Breakthrough research commercialization

Whether you're part of the agri-food industry, academic research, or public policy, attending PALSA offers a glimpse into how light can illuminate the path to agricultural resilience.

Farmfair International

Farmfair International: A Celebration of Canadian Agriculture and Innovation

Each year, the Edmonton Expo Centre transforms into a hub of agricultural excellence as it hosts Farmfair International—one of Canada’s premier agricultural showcases. This dynamic event goes beyond a traditional farm expo; it serves as a celebration of rural life, innovation, and the unwavering spirit of the farming community. Farmers, producers, livestock breeders, and agri-business professionals from across Alberta and beyond come together in Edmonton to share, learn, and compete, all under one roof.

With an expansive lineup of exhibitions, seminars, and livestock events, Farmfair International is not just an industry event—it's a cornerstone of Canadian agricultural culture.

Showcasing the Future of Agriculture: Exhibits and Technology

At the heart of Farmfair International lies an impressive range of agricultural exhibits, designed to highlight the latest trends, tools, and technology shaping the modern farming landscape. These exhibits provide a hands-on look at innovations that can transform operations—from small family farms to large-scale agribusiness.

Attendees can expect to find:

Cutting-edge farm equipment and precision agriculture tools

Advanced livestock genetics and breeding programs

Sustainable solutions for crop and soil management

Digital platforms for farm monitoring and automation

Innovative feed and nutrition products

The exhibition space serves as a launchpad for new products, allowing producers to interact directly with developers and suppliers to explore solutions tailored to their needs.

Livestock Competitions: Tradition Meets Excellence

One of the most celebrated features of Farmfair International is its world-class livestock competitions. These events not only preserve the rich traditions of livestock breeding in Canada but also push the industry forward by setting benchmarks for quality, health, and performance.

Key livestock events include:

Purebred cattle shows, featuring some of the best genetics in North America

Youth livestock competitions, designed to educate and inspire the next generation of farmers

Ranch horse showcases that blend functionality with skill and tradition

Commercial cattle events, highlighting performance traits critical to profitability

These competitions serve as a marketplace and networking arena for breeders, buyers, and sellers—providing an environment where business, tradition, and passion intersect.

Learning and Growing: Seminars and Interactive Workshops

Beyond the show floor and arena, Farmfair International offers a robust educational program that empowers participants with insights, tools, and strategies to advance their operations.

Interactive learning sessions at the expo include:

Agribusiness management seminars to help farm enterprises scale

Animal health and welfare workshops, led by veterinarians and livestock experts

Sustainability and regenerative agriculture discussions

Hands-on clinics for ranch skills, livestock handling, and equipment use

These knowledge-sharing platforms encourage collaboration and lifelong learning—two pillars essential to the success of modern agriculture.

A Vital Meeting Point for Networking and Industry Development

One of the defining aspects of Farmfair International is its role as a networking powerhouse. The event attracts a diverse audience, including:

Farmers and ranchers

Breeders and seedstock producers

Equipment manufacturers and service providers

Researchers, educators, and government representatives

This wide-ranging participation creates countless opportunities for collaboration and business development. Whether sealing deals on livestock genetics, forming export partnerships, or connecting with technology vendors, attendees find meaningful ways to grow their professional networks and their businesses.

Family, Culture, and Community at the Heart of the Expo

What sets Farmfair International apart is its strong sense of community and celebration. The event isn’t just about equipment or genetics—it’s about people. Families come together to celebrate rural life, children experience farming up close, and urban visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the agricultural world.

Visitors enjoy:

Cultural showcases featuring western traditions

Youth engagement programs, introducing the next generation to agriculture

Food experiences highlighting local producers

Entertainment events that make the experience both educational and enjoyable

By integrating business with celebration, Farmfair International ensures that agriculture is seen not only as an industry but also as a cherished way of life.

Farmfair International as a Gateway to Canada’s Agricultural Future

As the agricultural landscape evolves in response to technological, environmental, and economic pressures, events like Farmfair International are more vital than ever. The expo provides a dynamic space where innovation meets tradition, education fuels progress, and relationships drive industry resilience. Held at the Edmonton Expo Centre, Farmfair International continues to be a guiding light for agricultural advancement in Canada and a tribute to the strength of its farming communities.

For anyone passionate about agriculture—from the seasoned rancher to the curious urbanite—Farmfair International offers a meaningful, memorable, and forward-looking experience.

Cookshire Agricultural Fair

Cookshire Agricultural Fair: Honoring Tradition, Farming, and Community in the Cookshire-Eaton Region

Every summer, the heart of rural Quebec beats a little louder as the Cookshire Agricultural Fair returns to celebrate the rich farming traditions of the Cookshire-Eaton region. Held annually at the Exposition Agricole Cookshire, this beloved event offers more than just a display of agricultural excellence—it is a joyful gathering that embodies the values, hard work, and close-knit community spirit of Eastern Townships farming life.

With a history deeply rooted in Canada’s rural heritage, the Cookshire Agricultural Fair is a proud reflection of how agriculture continues to shape the identity and future of the region. Whether you're a lifelong farmer, an enthusiastic hobbyist, or a curious visitor, there's something for everyone at this vibrant celebration of land, livestock, and legacy.

A Vibrant Celebration of Agricultural Heritage

At its core, the Cookshire Agricultural Fair serves as a living tribute to the region’s farming roots. The event brings together farmers, artisans, families, and local businesses to celebrate not only their work, but the values of perseverance, stewardship, and collaboration that define rural life.

One of the fair’s most notable features is its livestock exhibitions, where animals are judged for quality, care, and breed standards. These exhibitions are a point of pride for both youth and experienced breeders alike, often representing months or years of dedicated effort.
Highlights of the livestock section include:

Dairy cow competitions showcasing top-quality breeds

Horse shows with traditional and performance-based judging

Small animal exhibits including rabbits, goats, and poultry

Interactive educational displays about animal husbandry

These exhibitions provide both entertainment and education, especially for urban visitors seeking to understand farm life firsthand.

Agricultural Competitions and Rural Excellence

Beyond livestock, the agricultural competitions are a true staple of the fair. These contests offer a friendly yet passionate stage for showcasing farming skills, produce, and craftsmanship.

Some of the most popular competitions include:

Produce and crop displays – Best vegetables, fruits, and grains judged by quality and presentation

Baking and preserves – Homemade pies, jams, breads, and pickled goods entered by locals of all ages

Handicrafts and needlework – Intricate quilts, knitting, and woodworking proudly presented by artisans

Tractor pulling and machinery showcases – Powerful demonstrations of farming equipment and operator skill

These contests are more than just entertainment—they represent a long-standing tradition of community pride, self-reliance, and friendly rivalry among neighbors.

Education Through Engagement: Workshops and Interactive Experiences

One of the defining features of the Cookshire Agricultural Fair is its strong emphasis on interactive learning. Far from being a passive experience, the fair encourages participation and offers hands-on activities that allow visitors to engage directly with farming practices and rural life.

Educational offerings often include:

Workshops for kids on planting, animal care, and food production

Demonstrations of traditional skills such as butter churning and wool spinning

Sustainability panels and talks led by local agricultural experts

Farm-to-table cooking classes featuring regional ingredients

By combining fun and learning, the fair helps promote awareness of food origins, responsible farming practices, and the importance of local agriculture—values that resonate with today’s environmentally conscious audience.

A True Family Event: Entertainment for All Ages

While agriculture is at the heart of the Cookshire Agricultural Fair, it’s the family-friendly atmosphere that makes the event especially memorable. The fairgrounds come alive with music, laughter, and the unmistakable buzz of a community gathered in celebration.

Favorite attractions for families include:

Petting zoos and pony rides

Midway games and carnival rides

Face painting and kids' zones

Live music performances featuring folk, country, and Quebecois artists

Evening fireworks and light displays

This balance of traditional agriculture and modern entertainment makes the fair ideal for multi-generational visits—where grandparents relive old memories and children create new ones.

Connecting the Community and Supporting the Local Economy

Events like the Cookshire Agricultural Fair play a crucial role in supporting regional identity and local businesses. The fair provides a highly visible platform for producers, artisans, food vendors, and service providers to share their offerings with both local and visiting audiences.

Economic and community benefits include:

Boosting tourism and local spending

Creating seasonal job opportunities

Offering exposure for emerging artisans and food entrepreneurs

Supporting regional pride and cultural preservation

Additionally, many fairgoers express appreciation for the way the event helps reconnect people to the origins of their food and the role of agriculture in society, especially in an increasingly urbanized world.

Tradition Meets Tomorrow: A Forward-Looking Fair

Though steeped in tradition, the Cookshire Agricultural Fair continues to evolve. Organizers have embraced modern concerns such as climate-conscious farming, sustainable food systems, and youth engagement. The fair isn’t just a snapshot of the past—it’s a conversation about the future of agriculture in Quebec and beyond.

In recent years, the fair has introduced:

Zero-waste initiatives and recycling programs

Green farming tech demonstrations

Youth-focused competitions and scholarships

Digital guides and event apps for easier navigation and scheduling

By combining legacy with progress, the fair ensures its continued relevance for future generations of farmers, citizens, and families.

Why the Cookshire Agricultural Fair Matters

The Cookshire Agricultural Fair is more than an event—it’s a powerful reminder of the resilience, creativity, and deep connection to the land that define rural communities in Quebec. Through livestock exhibitions, agricultural competitions, hands-on learning, and joyful celebration, the fair continues to honor its past while planting seeds for the future.

For anyone seeking to reconnect with rural life, support local producers, or simply enjoy a weekend of wholesome, community-driven fun, the Cookshire Agricultural Fair offers an experience that is both grounding and inspiring.

So mark your calendars and bring the whole family—it’s time to celebrate the pride of the Cookshire-Eaton region, where farming, heritage, and community come together in full bloom.

B.C. HOME + GARDEN SHOW

The BC Home + Garden Show stands as Vancouver’s premier event for home and garden enthusiasts, offering a unique platform for discovering the latest trends and innovations. Held annually at the iconic BC Place Stadium, this event ranks among Canada's leading trade fairs in the home and garden sector. Known for its state-of-the-art architecture and versatile event facilities, BC Place provides an impressive backdrop for the show, organized by Marketplace Events, a distinguished leader in curating home and garden exhibitions across North America.

The fair encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, including interior design, household goods, building materials, and gardening products. It serves as a vital meeting point for industry professionals, manufacturers, and service providers, all showcasing their latest products and innovations. Visitors have the exceptional opportunity to engage directly with new trends and developments in the home and garden sectors, gaining insights and inspiration for their own projects.

One of the standout features of the BC Home + Garden Show is its diverse range of booths and exhibitions. These displays not only captivate attendees with their creativity but also provide practical ideas for implementing in-home projects. Experienced professionals are on hand to offer personalized advice and answer questions, adding significant value to the visitor experience.

The event is further enriched by various demonstrations and workshops, which offer hands-on tips and techniques. From garden maintenance to living space design, these interactive sessions provide practical guidance and enhance the overall experience. The BC Home + Garden Show is also designed to be family-friendly, ensuring that visitors of all ages find enjoyment and entertainment.

In essence, the BC Home + Garden Show is a must-visit event for anyone interested in enhancing their home and garden. It offers a unique blend of high-quality products, expert advice, and interactive experiences, making it an inspiring destination for discovering the latest trends and innovations.

Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, held annually for two days, is one of the premier events for the horticultural industry in Canada, drawing a diverse and vibrant community of professionals from every facet of fruit and vegetable production. This gathering is more than just an exhibition; it is a hub of knowledge-sharing, innovation, and collaboration, offering a unique opportunity for producers, researchers, consultants, and business leaders to connect, learn, and explore the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of horticulture.

Every year, the convention brings together a broad cross-section of the horticultural sector. Attendees include government officials, industry representatives, educators, researchers, and professionals from associations and businesses, all united by their commitment to advancing the fruit and vegetable production industries. It serves as a powerful platform for exchanging ideas, discussing policy developments, and tackling the most pressing issues in the industry. This inclusivity ensures that the convention is a melting pot of diverse perspectives, where every participant, whether a small-scale grower or a large commercial enterprise, has something to gain.

One of the highlights of the convention is the extensive lineup of educational sessions, which cover a broad range of topics relevant to the horticultural community. These sessions are led by top experts in the field, offering valuable insights into the latest advancements in farming practices, pest management, sustainable agriculture, and technology. Whether it’s learning about cutting-edge irrigation techniques, discovering new crop protection strategies, or exploring innovative ways to increase productivity and sustainability, the educational program is tailored to address the current challenges and future opportunities in fruit and vegetable production. 

The convention also features an impressive trade show, where exhibitors showcase the latest products, services, and technologies designed to enhance horticultural operations. This trade show is a central element of the event, offering a hands-on opportunity for attendees to see the newest innovations in farming equipment, plant varieties, fertilizers, pest control solutions, and more. For producers, it’s an invaluable chance to discover new tools that can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and boost crop yields. Whether it’s advanced machinery, digital farming tools, or eco-friendly solutions, the trade show presents a wide array of options for those looking to stay ahead of the curve in the competitive world of fruit and vegetable production.

Networking is another key component of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention. With such a diverse mix of attendees, the event provides a fertile ground for forming new partnerships, collaborating on research, and sharing best practices. The chance to connect with industry leaders, peers, and experts opens doors to potential business opportunities, joint ventures, and collaborations that can propel a business or research initiative forward. For many, the networking aspect of the convention is just as valuable as the educational sessions, providing long-term benefits that extend far beyond the two days of the event.

In addition to the educational sessions and trade show, the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention is a place to celebrate the collective achievements of the horticultural sector. It shines a light on the dedication and hard work of those who are passionate about producing high-quality fruits and vegetables in Canada. The event provides a space to reflect on the industry’s growth, address the challenges it faces, and look forward to the future of horticultural production. 

Ultimately, the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention is an indispensable event for anyone involved in the production, research, or business of horticultural crops. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn, network, and innovate, helping the industry move towards greater sustainability, productivity, and success. For producers looking to enhance their operations, it is an essential stop, providing the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape.

EXPO QUEBECVERT formerly EXPO FIHOQ

L’Expo Québec Vert is set to return to Espace Saint-Hyacinthe for its 40th consecutive year, marking this milestone with a promise to surprise, captivate, and delight attendees more than ever before. As Quebec's premier horticulture buying show, the expo will feature two fully-packed pavilions showcasing the latest innovations and market trends.

With over 200 exhibitors in attendance, the event will present a comprehensive look at new products and industry advancements. Attendees will find dedicated thematic areas highlighting the most cutting-edge developments in horticulture. These zones are designed to provide an immersive experience into the latest trends and innovations shaping the sector.

The expo will also offer a dedicated Hardscape and green spaces section, focusing on landscaping design and maintenance, providing valuable insights and resources for industry professionals. To further enhance knowledge and skills, more than 40 free conferences and activities will be available, covering a broad range of topics pertinent to horticulture and landscaping.

Networking opportunities are plentiful, with various social activities planned to foster business connections and collaborations. The celebration will culminate in a festive evening event, marking four decades of the Expo Québec Vert with a lively and memorable celebration. This year’s expo promises to be an exceptional gathering for anyone involved in the horticulture and landscaping industries, offering a rich blend of learning, networking, and celebration.

FALL COTTAGE LIFE SHOW

The Fall Cottage Life Show, recognized as Canada’s largest event dedicated to cottage and outdoor living, is set to take place over three dynamic days. This popular event attracts a diverse audience, including both newcomers eager to find rental properties in Ontario’s picturesque cottage country and current cottage owners interested in turning their properties into year-round rentals. Despite a slowdown in the real estate market, the demand for cottage rentals remains robust, providing ample opportunity for learning and exploration at the show.

Visitors to the Fall Cottage Life Show can reconnect with leading brands and exhibitors from the cottage industry, discover exclusive offers for their next cottage project, and gain valuable insights through educational seminars. These seminars are hosted by the editorial team of Cottage Life magazine, along with various guest speakers who offer expert advice and inspiration. 

The event coincides with the Seasons Christmas Show, allowing attendees to enjoy both exhibitions with a single admission ticket. This dual-event setup provides a unique opportunity to experience the best of both worlds. Guests can participate in a range of activities, such as testing their skills on a curling rink in the Great Outdoors space, attending seasonal appetizer demonstrations by renowned cheese expert and food writer Sue Riedl, and relaxing at the Polar Bar, where every drink ticket supports the Cottage Dreams Cancer Recovery Initiative.

Additionally, the Cottage Life Pop-Up Shop is a highlight of the show, offering a variety of gifts for cottagers, including items from the exclusive Cottage Life x Province of Canada capsule collection. Visitors can also engage directly with Cottage Life’s editorial team at the Cottage Life Booth, providing feedback and suggestions on the magazine’s content.

The Fall Cottage Life Show not only serves as a hub for exploring cottage life but also offers hands-on experiences through Make & Take Workshops. Attendees can create their own evergreen centerpieces, succulent planters, holiday serving trays, and wreaths, bringing home personalized crafts from their visit.

Overall, the Fall Cottage Life Show promises an engaging and enriching experience, combining practical advice, festive activities, and opportunities to connect with the cottage community.