Manitobans are invited to enjoy a day in the country and fun on the farm by visiting any of the more than 50 host farm families at this year’s Open Farm Day on Sunday, Sept. 16. This announcement was made by Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn and Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino.
“Visiting a working farm is a fun way to learn about agriculture, a major industry in our province. It’s a chance to see where our food comes from and meet the people who produce it where they live and work,” said Kostyshyn. “Agri-tourism is also growing in popularity as visitors return to the country for an on-farm holiday and a chance to reconnect with nature at its best.”
Participating farms are located all around Manitoba. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about farm products, see demonstrations, take walking tours and ask questions about farm life. Farm sites can include fruit and vegetable producers, crop and livestock farms, holiday agri-tourism sites, horticultural operations and agribusinesses related to farming.
“Visitors from across Canada and around the world, from cities, towns and other rural communities will enjoy this opportunity to experience Manitoba’s rural roots,” said Marcelino. “Farmers have the opportunity to showcase the ultimate home-based business, operated by dedicated farm families under the world’s toughest boss – Mother Nature. It’s an educational experience you won’t forget.”
An opportunity to sample farm-fresh foods is also a tasty tradition of this event. Tomorrow there are dinners in the town of Assessippi (call 204-564-2000 for tickets) and Hueging Dairy Farm in Woodlands (www.grazinginthefield.ca).
There are also three farm-fresh suppers held on Open Farm Day, Sunday, Sept. 16, in different parts of the province, each prepared by a team of chefs using local foods. These dinners are located at Steinbach at the Mennonite Heritage Village (call 204-326-9661), Selkirk at Lower Fort Garry (call 204-482-5253) and Assessippi (call 204-564-2000).
Farm locations can be found at www.openfarmday.ca where guests can find a farm guide map to plan a route or use Google Map to find participating farms. The website also has videos of the farms. Brochures with maps listing participating farms are also available from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives GO Centres and GO offices. A listing of offices is available online at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/contact/agoffices.html.
In its first year, more than 35 farms participated in Open Farm Day. Last year, more than 40 farms participated, attracting over 5,000 visitors.
