Province looking for Open Farm Days hosts

by Morinville News Staff

Farmers, ranchers, producers and ag-tourism operators have until May 31 to sign up to be host locations for this year’s Open Farm Days taking place Aug. 20 and 21.

Alberta Open Farm Days is a partnership of Alberta Culture and Tourism, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies and Agriculture for Life.

This year is the fourth year for Alberta Open Farm Days. Once again, Albertans will have an opportunity to experience rural life. The province is planning Farm-to-table culinary events on Saturday, Aug. 20 and free admission to farm tours across the province on Sunday, Aug. 21.

Last year saw 72 host farms offering tours as well as 18 culinary events throughout the province. More than 10,000 visits and $100,000 in on-farm sales took place over the two days.

“Open Farm Days gives visitors from across the province and beyond a chance to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of rural Alberta,” said Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism in a release Tuesday. “I encourage farmers and ranchers to take this tremendous opportunity to showcase their operations while helping to take advantage of a growing consumer interest in ag-tourism.”

Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, said the popularity of Open Farm Days continues to grow each year, something he believed speaks volumes about Alberta’s agriculture sector’s potential to further diversify the economy.

“This event shines a spotlight on some of our most innovative producers and agri-businesses, while helping Albertans to better understand the significant contribution agriculture makes to our province,” he said.

Producers and ag-tourism operators interested in being host locations can sign-up at albertafarmdays.ca. Deadline for host farms is May 31.

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