September 19, 2014
Open Farm Day this Sunday Connects Families with Local Food Producers, Growing Rural Economy
– – –Over 45 Farms Representing more than 21,000 Manitoba Farm Operators Working to Supply Food to Manitobans, World
Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn today reminded Manitobans that by attending the fifth annual Open Farm Day on Sunday, Sept. 21, families can experience the proud tradition of farm life and learn all about the province’s $5.3-billion agricultural industry.
“Manitoba farmers are proud of their work and the products they provide to the marketplace. They are the foundation of our rural communities and play a key role in creating the local jobs that are helping drive our steady economic growth,” said Minister Kostyshyn. “With many things to do and a variety of farms to visit, there is truly something for everyone to learn and explore this weekend on Open Farm Day.”
During their visit, Manitobans can meet local producers, learn about modern farming operations and participate in fun activities and demonstrations. Many farms will also offer fresh produce for sale.
For farmers, this is a unique opportunity to tell their story to other Manitobans, market products directly, support agri-tourism and showcase farm life as the ultimate family business, the minister said.
“As dairy farmers, we think it’s important for the public to see and learn where their food comes from, how it’s produced, the work that’s involved and process that gets it from the farm to their table,” said Lisa Dyck, of Cornell Creme Dairy Farm. “We look forward to meeting our customers on Open Farm Day and showing visitors how we operate our business to give them the dairy-best.”
“We are pleased to partner with Open Farm Day where farm producers can showcase the quality products they provide through their hard work,” said Allan Reid, president, Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies.
This year’s Open Farm Day has an interactive component through Twitter as farm visitors are encouraged to share their agriculture experience by using the #OpenFarmDay hashtag when tweeting about their visits, taking a selfie with a Manitoba farmer and retweeting other #OpenFarmDay posts.
Manitoba’s first Open Farm Day took place in 2010. Since then, the number of visitors has continued to grow, with over 7,000 visitors last year, the minister noted.
For more information on Open Farm Day, including a list of participating farms, visit www.openfarmday.caorcontact any local Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development GO Office.
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