Local Farms Open to Visitors
Nova Scotians are invited to visit a farm Sunday, Sept. 20, as many across the province open their gates to visitors.
As part of Open Farm Day, 51 Nova Scotia operations will allow the public to see demonstrations, go on guided tours, pick local produce, taste wine and go on wagon rides. Most farms will have local products available to buy.
The event, supported by the provincial government, the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, and other groups, aims to raise awareness about local agriculture and the benefits of buying local food.
"As we focus on the importance of buying local whenever possible, there is no better way to find out about local products than meeting the people who are bringing them to market," said Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell. "I encourage Nova Scotians to get out and meet our farmers face-to-face on Sunday."
In Nova Scotia, there are more than 2,550 registered farms. In 2014, the industry generated $567.1 million. Dairy is the top revenue generator, followed by poultry and fur. Eggs, cattle, blueberries, vegetables, Christmas trees and apples each generated more than $10 million in 2014.
"Farmers across Nova Scotia work hard to provide a safe and environmentally sustainable food source for Nova Scotians to enjoy," said Chris van den Heuvel, president of Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. "Open Farm Day is a great opportunity for Nova Scotians to take a glimpse inside of what our farmers put into producing high quality agriculture products."
A list of participating Nova Scotia farms, and the hours they will be open, is available at www.meetyourfarmer.ca/openfarmday .
FOR BROADCAST:
Nova Scotians are invited to visit a farm Sunday
(September 20th), as many across the province open their gates to
visitors.
As part of Open Farm Day, 51 Nova Scotia operations will
allow the public to see demonstrations, go on guided tours, pick
local produce, taste wine, and go on wagon rides. Most farms will
have local products available to buy.
Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell says there is no better
way to find out about local products than meeting the people who
are bringing them to market.