About the Display and Competition

OFVC is proud to host the research poster display on February 21-22, 2024 at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention. Submissions will include two categories: Regular and Student Competition.

Our goal is to highlight research on fruit, vegetables and alternative crops in Ontario allowing growers and members of ag-industry to see the excellent work that you do in support of the many commodities they grow.

How to Apply

Download and complete an application and email to the Poster Session Chairs.

Due Dates

Program application (to be included in the program): Friday, December 29, 2023
Final application: Sunday, January 28, 2024
Poster PDF and video: Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Details

The Poster Session is an effective venue for researchers, industry and extension specialists to present new information pertinent to Ontario’s horticultural industry. Posters that present results from research trials, including pest management, crop production, new cultivars, and opportunities for marketing Ontario horticulture are welcomed. Posters should be approximately 120 cm x 90 cm (48” x 36”) in either portrait or landscape orientation. Please do not bring oversized posters. Both student and regular submissions are welcome.

What are we Looking for

Traditional research posters and infographics or other visual messaging tools that can convey appropriate details are encouraged. The complete poster is limited to one page only. As our target audience is predominantly comprised of growers and consultants, avoid technical language or jargon.

Submit a Video

Describe your research in 3 minutes or less using an audio or video clip attached to your poster PDF.

Student Poster Competition

The long-standing Student Poster Competition features student research conducted in the field of horticulture. The event offers students an opportunity to showcase their work to their target audience, compete for cash awards and to publish their posters online. In 2024 the competition will be limited to the first 20 applications so please get your forms in early. Prizes are available as follows:

1st Prize – $750
2nd Prize – $500
3rd Prize – $300

Student Eligibility

The poster competition is directed at students currently enrolled at a college or university who are conducting research on horticulture crops or related production/marketing practices relevant to Ontario. The research must be novel and the student must have performed the majority of the work.

Poster Format and Judging Criteria

While there is no specific format requirement for posters, students are encouraged to describe the problem being addressed or technology being evaluated, what was done to solve the problem or with the technology during the evaluation, what happened (results) and a discussion on the importance of this work to the Horticulture industry. Infographics are an excellent option, provided they contain elements that can be evaluated using the judging criteria.

Posters will be judged by an impartial panel including research scientists, OMAFRA specialists and representatives from the horticulture industry. Decisions made by judges are final.

Judges will rank the posters based on the following criteria:

Introduction (background and objectives provided)	10
Body (materials and methods, and results clearly stated)	10
Summary (conclusions; relevance to industry; future direction)	20
Research (impact to industry; appropriate methodology)	15
Organization (sequence logical and evident; statements clear and unambiguous)	15
Visual Impact (graphs, tables and photos lead to improved understanding of topic; easily read and understand; appealing backgrounds and colours)	20
Appropriate for target audience (no scientific jargon; grower/industry friendly)	10

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