/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - Chef Michael Smith in Ottawa on February 23rd to Discuss the Importance of Eating More Fruits and Vegetables/

OTTAWA, Feb. 22, 2016 /CNW/ -

What: Chef Michael Smith will make an appearance as the Canadian Produce Marketing Association's (CPMA) Half Your Plate brand ambassador on February 23^rd at an exclusive reception for Members of Parliament to perform a fruit and veggie cooking demonstration and discuss the importance of eating more fruits and vegetables. Media are invited to attend.

When: Tuesday, February 23^rd from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Live food demonstrations will take place at 6:00pm and 7:00pm. The 7:00pm demo will feature Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay.

Media are invited to submit requests for pre-arranged interviews starting as of 4:30pm.

Where: Chateau Laurier, Ottawa, ON

Why: CPMA is at hosting a reception with Members of Parliament to promote the importance of the produce industry in Canada and the necessity to increase fruit and vegetable consumption for the health of Canadians.

The produce industry is significant contributor to Canada's economy. Including supply chain and induced impacts, it is estimated that the economic footprint of the produce industry in 2013 totaled $11.4 billion in real GDP.

Evidence shows that a balanced diet rich in nutritious fruits and vegetables is a cornerstone of good health, yet still 60% of Canadians over the age of 12 do not get the recommended five or more fruits and vegetables per day. The increased consumption of fruits and vegetables could also offer potentially significant costs savings to Canada's health care system by minimizing obesity and chronic disease, which currently account for approximately 67% of health care costs.

About the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA):

Based in Ottawa, Ontario, CPMA is a not-for-profit organization that represents a diverse membership made of up of every segment of the produce industry supply chain and is responsible for 90% of the fresh fruit and vegetable sales in Canada. CPMA is fortunate to represent a sector that is both a significant economic driver for communities and that also improves the health and productivity of Canadians.

SOURCE Canadian Produce Marketing Association

Please confirm attendance with: Vanessa Sherry, Manager, Communications, Canadian Produce Marketing Association, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]