AdFarm in the News

February 6, Calgary, AB - This coming week, AdFarm is asking the public to show its love for Canadian farmers. In an effort to call attention to Canada's Food Freedom Day, the marketing and communications firm, dealing exclusively in the agricultural sector, is going out into the community on February 9 to encourage "a movement of thanks" to Canadian farmers, while pulling in food donations for those less fortunate.

Canada's Food Freedom Day marks the calendar date by which the average Canadian will have earned enough money to pay their entire year's grocery bill. This year, that date falls on Sunday, February 12, 2012.

The date for Food Freedom Day is derived through a simple calculation comparing Canadians' disposable income and the amount they spent on food during the previous year. It is a general look forward on food prices, based on the previous year's spending statistics. This year's calculations once again show Canada as exhibiting one of the most affordable food systems of all the industrialized countries. Food Freedom Day serves to further demonstrate the value that Canadian farmers deliver to Canadians not only through quality food, but by supporting one in eight jobs, which in turn translates into vital economic contributions for our rural communities. In 2011, Canadians spent 9.1 per cent of their disposable income on food, according to figures provided by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. By comparison, the numbers for France and Japan are 13.5 and 14.2 percent respectively.

"This data highlights just how important Canadians' food decisions are to our nation's economic future. Our nation's farmers are producing food that is safe, secure, of high quality and relatively inexpensive. And in honour of Food Freedom Day, we want to encourage Canadians to choose Canadian food as often as possible. These purchases directly lead to a stronger, home-grown agriculture sector and dramatically benefit the country as a whole," says Ben Graham, President of AdFarm Canada.

On Thursday, February 9, from 12 noon to 3 p.m., AdFarm staff will be at Bankers Hall in downtown Calgary, Alberta (West Tower, second level, north end of mall) drawing attention to Food Freedom Day, encouraging Canadians to show their support for Canadian farmers, and drawing in food bank donations for those less fortunate. A short media event with special food sampling is planned for 1:15pm.

The public can show its support in these three ways: 1) by bringing in food donations to one of the two facilities noted below, 2) by paying extra attention to their grocery purchases for the balance of the year and, 3) by voicing support online for Canadian farmers and their roles in producing food that is affordable, tasty, safe and nutritious. This show of support can be done by going online from February 9 to February 12 at http://www.facebook.com/AdFarm.

Food Bank Donation Spots/Times:
Bankers Hall West: 315 - 8th Avenue SW +15 level, North End of the Mall, near Sunterra Market (Thursday, 11a.m.-3p.m.)
Kingsland Farmers' Market: 7711 Macleod Trail SW (Thursday, 11a.m. - Sunday, 3p.m.).
Note: Kingsland Market will continue to accept donations throughout the weekend.

For media inquiries, please call:
Wendy Ell
Director of Public Relations, AdFarm Canada
Wendy.ell@adfarmonline.com
(403) 410-7606

About AdFarm
AdFarm is a full-service marketing and communications company, focused entirely on agriculture, food and rural issues. AdFarm is committed to supporting the advancement of agriculture, building stronger rural communities, helping to manage communications from all angles of the food and agriculture industry, and contributing, where possible, to a healthy North American food model. Our 100 full-time professionals work in six AdFarm offices across North America. Offices are located in Calgary, AB; Guelph, ON; Sacramento, CA; Kansas City, MO; St. Louis, MO and Fargo, ND. www.adfarmonline.com

AdFarm is an integrated marketing branding and digital agency with uncommon expertise in agriculture.