Brian McSpadden Gardener (Plant Pathology and Sheryl Barringer (Food Science and Technology) led a group of students on a field trip to learn about modern tomato farming and processing methods in Ottawa, September 23. Former alumni Bill and Karl Hirzel guided the tour of the Hirzel Canning Company's state of the art processing plant and a nearby farm to show the students the path of a tomato from farm to shelf. The students learned about current farming and processing methods as well as quality assurance programs implemented to ensure product safety and quality.