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NO-NAME APPLE HAS NEW NAME
OTTAWA, Oct. 2, 2003 - The entries have been tabulated, the hard choice has been made and the apple formerly known as 8S-69-23 is now Aurora Golden Gala.
More than 11,000 entries from every province and territory in Canada, even ineligible entries from the United States and Europe, flooded in suggesting names for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) newest apple variety. However, the three, hardworking judges managed to winnow out a winner.
Daphne Biggs of Ottawa, ON, suggested the winning name.
"I felt the name was befitting a Canadian apple on two fronts," said Ms. Biggs. "The colour of the apple reminded me of the light at dawn and, as Northerners, we identify with the Aurora Borealis, the northern lights."
Dr. Cheryl Hampson, an AAFC apple breeder and member of the judging panel, said the public response to the contest was incredible.
"I was overwhelmed by the many, very good names suggested for this sweet, yellow apple," said Dr. Hampson. "Aurora was chosen as the principal name because it is so evocative of Canada, suggests a luminous glow and is easily understandable in a number of languages."
Dr. Hampson added, "We added Golden Gala to the name because many entries referred to the apple's parentage."
James Calissi, general manager of the Okanagan Plant Improvement Company (PICO) which will market the trees, said, "I think we are going to have a very popular apple on our hands. PICO will do what can be done to satisfy our local nursery distributors this fall, while we are gearing up to meet the commercial demand expected next season from Canada and abroad."
Aurora Golden Gala typifies Canada's high-quality food products, but producing the best products is just the starting point.Through the Agricultural Policy Framework, Canada will build on existing recognition and trust in this country as a premier food supplier.
Winners of smaller prizes, drawn randomly from the entries, will be posted on the contest Web site www.agr.gc.ca/malus, October 2.
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For more information the media may contact:
Media RelationsAgriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa
(613) 759-7972
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