When you think of an apple, does your mind go to the latest tech gadget or to the juicy, crisp fruit produced by Ontario farmers? U of G master of science student Michelle Arseneault hopes it’s the latter.

Arseneault is researching apple tree crop load management in the Department of Plant Agriculture. She recently won first place and $1,000 for a positive ‘rant’-style video she entered in the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s ‘Reel’ Farm Video Challenge. Her two-minute video, Keepin’ it Local with Ontario Apples, highlights the innovation and skill of Ontario apple growers, and the quality of local apples.

“When you find that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, it’s your soulmate in food form,” she says in the video. “So when people search the Internet, let’s hope they find our food festivals and pick-your-own farms.”