Alberta Open Farm Day Host Applications Now Open

The Province is already gearing up for Open Farm Days this summer by accepting host farm applications.

This year's event will be held Saturday, August 17 to Sunday, August 18.

This will be the seventh year farmers and ranchers open their gates for the public to learn about agriculture.

Last year, a record 117 farmers participated in the event, which also saw over 3,000 more attendees than the previous year.

Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Oneil Carlier, says Open Farm Days provides a unique opportunity to highlight agriculture's importance and vitality as a core sector in the province.

"Alberta has some of the best food producers and processors in the world. I am proud that we are strengthening our support for the local food sector which continues to grow."

He adds, it's important for Albertans to connect with the hard working farmers who are feeding families and communities.

Last year's Open Farm Days also set a new high for on-farms totaling over $189,000.

According to a 2018 survey of Albertans on culture and tourism, 87 per cent of respondents say they participated in some form of farm-to-fork tourism over the past 12 months.

The deadline to register as a host farm is Friday, May 31.

For more information and application details, you can visit www.albertafarmdays.ca