A catalyst for adaptation, advancement and innovation within the agriculture and agri-food community.
NEWS RELEASES - 2007
The Craze for a Maze
(Guelph, ON – October 12, 2007) Anyone can grow corn in straight rows. But to
design a corn field in the shape of the Great Pyramids of Egypt or in a message
such as “Farmers Fuel the Future” takes extra talent.
Corn Mazes are some of the fastest growing tourist attractions in Ontario. In
fact 42 farms with mazes have joined forces in a new “Maze Craze” passport
program which is funded in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the
Agricultural Adaptation Council’s (AAC) CanAdvance program.
Offered through the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association (OFFMA), “Maze
Craze” encourages visitors to navigate a series of mazes located across the
province. Upon completion of each maze, a ‘passport’ is stamped. People
receiving four or more stamps can then submit their passport in person, by mail,
or on-line through www.mazecraze.ca for a chance to win a series of prizes. The
Maze Craze program runs through to October 21st. More details, including lists
of all of the participating farms can be found at www.mazecraze.ca.
In conjunction with this project, OFFMA will be creating marketing materials for
distribution at provincial fairs and shows, developing an outreach campaign, and
offering the participating farms help with signage and advertising, and even
market layout and displays.
Cathy Bartolic, Executive Director of OFFMA says the project will bring new
consumers to farm markets . “It gives farmers the opportunity to showcase their
farming operations first-hand, to teach the public about agriculture’s
contributions to the province, as well as hopefully sell additional products and
build a stronger customer base.”
One participant is Mark Saunders, owner of Saunders Farms near Ottawa in Eastern
Ontario. Boasting the largest collection of corn, hedge and puzzle mazes (11 in
total) in North America, Mark is excited about the “Maze Craze” program.
“It’s a real opportunity for all farm markets and maze operators to work
together to co-promote our existence, as well as enhance our marketing and
customer service skills.”
Annually, the five-acre corn maze at Strom’s Farm just west of Guelph, is a
fundraiser for a selected charity, the beneficiary this year being World Vision.
In 2006, Strom’s partnered with Operation Christmas Child (OCC). Guests gathered
clues in the maze to fill an imaginary shoe box for a child in need. They were
also able to pick up a shoe box to take home and fill. Strom’s also donated 10
per cent of corn maze proceeds to the OCC. At the end of the season that a
donation of almost $3,000 had been made, says a pleased Amy Strom.
Bette Jean Crews, AAC Chair, notes: “Agri-tourism is a highly consumer-focused
type of agriculture. The AAC Board of Directors was pleased to support a project
which may offer additional options for diversification and adding stability to
farm incomes.”
The Agricultural Adaptation Council is a non-profit, grass roots coalition of 71
agricultural, agribusiness and rural organizations dedicated to providing
financial resources to help Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food industry remain
profitable, grow and maintain its economic strength.
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For more information:
Nadine Armstrong
Communications Manager
Agricultural Adaptation Council
Ph: 519-822-7554
E-mail: narmstrong@adaptcouncil.org
Website: www.adaptcouncil.org
