Manitoba farmers are invited to showcase farm life by participating in this year’s Open Farm Day, set for Sunday, Sept. 18. This announcement was made by Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Stan Struthers and Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino.
“Open Farm Day is a platform for farmers to tell their stories, sell their products and invite visitors to share in what farming is all about,” said Struthers. “Our farmers contribute greatly to our provincial economy and it’s important that we all recognize this and also recognize where our food comes from.”
Last year, more than 35 farms participated in Open Farm Day including fruit and vegetable producers along with crop and livestock farms. Agri-tourism, horticultural operations and agribusiness related to farming are also invited to take part. This event will help build connections between farm operations and the rural non-farm and urban populations, Struthers noted.
“Agri-tourism is growing in Manitoba and I encourage all Manitobans to buy local and explore our beautiful province,” said Marcelino. “This is an excellent opportunity to discover where your food comes from and meet the wonderful producers who work so hard to feed us all.”
Farmers wishing to participate in Open Farm Day can call Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) agri-tourism line at 204-821-5322. The deadline for participation applications is May 16.
For more information about Open Farm Day, go to your local MAFRI GO office. Resource materials include safety guidelines and planning recommendations for the day including background material to help handle questions from the public on agricultural issues.
Struthers also acknowledged four new organizations providing support in the promotion of Open Farm Day: Keystone Agricultural Producers, Manitoba Regional Tourism Network, Manitoba Rural Tourism Association and the Eastman Tourism Association.
