Ingredients that go into products such as the ones pictured, and many other aspects of farm life, are highlighted every year during Alberta Open Farm Days. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)/rdnewsNOW

support local these holidays, organizers say

Producers can now register for Alberta Open Farm Days 2023

Dec 13, 2022 | 12:50 PM

Alberta Open Farm Days has become a summer staple over the last 10 years, and registration is now open for its 11th edition.

Interested farms can go to albertafarmdays.ca to find out more.

Tim Carson, CEO, Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies, told rdnewsNOW why farms should consider taking part.

“This is an opportunity to tell your story. From an educational standpoint, Open Farm Days connects producers to consumers, and perhaps removes misunderstandings and stereotypes the public may have about agriculture,” he says.

“If you happen to know or own an agri-tourism business that is looking to grow its footprint, this is a great way to take advantage of a great level of province-wide marketing.”

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Last year, Open Farm Days had 115 participants, with the target for 2023 being 150, which would match pre-COVID levels.

Forty per cent of those who partook in 2022 were first-timers, Carson noted, adding that an estimated 16,000 people visited those farms. Over the two days, it’s also estimated there was more than $100,000 in direct on-farm sales.

“Buying local and investing in our local agriculturists that are out delivering local food, during the holidays and year-round, is a great way for us to ensure food security,” says Carson. “It can also broaden our palates. Supporting small businesses in your area is tremendous.”

Over the 10 years of Alberta Open Farm Days, there have been 932 unique farms involved, with 260 culinary events, and more than 150,000 visitors.

Alberta Open Farm Days, funded by Alberta Agriculture and Travel Alberta, runs Aug. 19-20, 2023.