Alberta Open Farm Days is fast approaching.
The two-day event, which is planned for Aug. 16-17 this year, is intended to show people where their food comes from.
More than 150 host sites, ranches and farms promote agri-tourism and rural sustainability, showcasing how crucial they are to the food supply chain. This year’s theme is Water: The Lifeblood of Every Farm.
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The program started in the Maritimes and eventually moved west, reaching Alberta starting in 2013, with 52,000 Albertans visiting various farms, ranches and niche agri-businesses in 2024.
Host farms have included traditional farms as well those with a bit of a twist.
Livestock operations include poultry, goat, llama, sheep, cattle, bison and alpaca, while other farms include specialized organic operations, corn mazes, wineries, craft distilleries, breweries, meaderies honey, fruit, vegetables, grain and u-pick farms.
Open Farm Days helps dispel myths about farming to urban and rural folks alike.
The week also features many Farm to Table events that promotes eating establishments that locally source their food or ingredients from nearby farms.
Since 2013, Open Farm Days has seen more than 235,000 people visit more than 1,200 farms and ranches, injecting more than $1.7 million into the rural economy through on-farm sales. In 2024, reported on-farm sales surpassed $300,000 for the first time.
If you would like to see if there is an event near you that you would like to check out, you can find a list of participating farms on the event website.
Participants are encouraged to dress to the weather report and conditions.
