Producers in Red Deer and Mountain View counties are being encouraged to take part in the 2016 Alberta Open Farm Days agriculture promotion event this summer.
Duane Mertin with Pearson's Berry Farm says participating in 2015 was certainly worthwhile. “That was the first time we did it and it was good to have people come out,” said Mertin. “I would recommend it. We will be taking part again this year.”
Pearson's is located 27 kilometres west of Bowden.
Andy Camps, owner of High Country Berries west of Spruce View, also participated in 2015 and plans to do so again in 2016.
“I would encourage people to take part,” said Camps.
Running Aug. 20 and 21, the fourth annual Alberta Open Farm Days will offer Albertans a fun way to experience rural life, Oneil Carlier, minister of agriculture and forestry, said in an April 5 press release.
Farm-to-table culinary events on Aug. 20 and free admission to farm tours across the province on Aug. 21 will showcase Alberta agriculture and rural hospitality at its finest, he said.
“Farmers and ranchers can help grow their markets by opening their gates and sharing their stories as hosts for Alberta Open Farm Days this summer,” he said.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Ricardo Miranda added: “Open Farm Days gives visitors from across the province and beyond a chance to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of rural Alberta. 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.”
More than 70 host farms and 18 culinary events attracted more than 10,000 visitors during 2015 Open Farm Days events.
“The popularity of Open Farm Days continues to grow each year, which speaks volumes about the incredible potential of our agriculture sector to further diversify our economy,” said Carlier. “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.”
Producer Leanne Sept, with Sunnyside Alpacas, said the 2015 event was worthwhile for her business.
“This was a great way for us to tap into the growing desire of urban consumers to connect with producers and to discover and experience a side of rural Alberta that they may have never seen before. I think we have just as much fun as our visitors and we're really looking forward to Open Farm Days,” said Sept.
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.
Applications from producers and ag-tourism operators for 2016 Alberta Open Farm Days are now being accepted with the deadline of May 31.
Interested parties can sign up using the online registration form available at albertafarmdays.ca.
"That was the first time we did it and it was good to have people come out."Duane MertinPearson's Berry Farm
