(rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Open Farm Days

Celebrating local food and farms in Alberta

Aug 13, 2019 | 8:00 PM

Events are happening right across the province for Alberta Local Food Week (Aug. 11-18).

According to the provincial government, local food sales from farmers markets and through direct-to-consumer channels have more than doubled since 2008 and exceeded $1 billion last year.

“Alberta has some of the world’s best farmers, food producers and processors. Now is a great time to step up and show support for Alberta’s agriculture industry. I encourage Albertans to buy local food, meet a farmer in their community and get to know the people who put food on their tables,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.

Alberta Local Food Week wraps up with the popular Open Farm Days (Aug. 17-18), which offers Albertans opportunities to visit local farms to get a better understanding of where their food comes from and sample the diversity and abundance of food produced in Alberta.

“We have some awesome products made in Alberta – maybe even more than people realize. Local Food Week and Open Farm Days is a chance to showcase different farmers, producers and markets,” shared Jason Andersen, vice-president, Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association.

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During Open Farm Days people can visit more than 150 host farms across the province for open houses, tours and an opportunity to buy locally grown and homemade products.

Overall, there are 29 culinary events and 11 tours to enjoy this year. Other fan-favourite activities such as corn mazes, hayrides and mini golf are also making their return.

Since Open Farm Days launched in 2013, 484 Alberta farms have participated in the popular event, contributing to nearly $650,000 in on-farm sales.

Visit albertafarmdays.ca for more information.

(With file from Government of Alberta media release)