Alberta farms and ranches are opening their gates Aug. 24-25 for a new, free-of-charge initiative celebrating the province’s agricultural industry.
Open Farms Days will feature more than 40 farms across Alberta, including two in Rocky View County, to connect rural producers with urban consumers and educate the public about rural life.
“This will allow (participants) the opportunity to sample some of the local produce, and an opportunity to buy that local produce, and a have a first-hand experience of what we really do here in Alberta,” said chief executive officer of Ag for Life David Sprague, who was among the officials making the announcement at the Calgary Stampede’s Ag-Tivity tent, July 9.
Echoing events already taking place in Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Quebec, Open Farms Days is also expected to promote local tourism, particularly in light of the recent flood-damage to areas in the province.
“You’re supporting your neighbours and this is going to help with the overall recovery of our province because the tourism industry is very important,” said Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation Richard Starke.
He added while agriculture is Alberta’s second largest industry, tourism accounts for about $7.8 billion annually, employing about 139,000 people in more than 19,000 businesses.
Alberta accounts for 20 per cent of all farming operations in Canada and 10 per cent of agriculture and food-related tourism businesses.
“When you do that math, you realize most tourism businesses are small businesses, and those businesses, as much as anyone else affected by the flood, need our help too,” said Starke.
In a bid to showcase those businesses, Open Farm Days will feature a broad range of producers including cattle, feed, bison, elk, essential oils and honey. Visitors will also be able to participate in wine and honey tours, pick-your-own produce and horse-drawn hayrides, as well as buy products directly from the source.
“Most people think of a farm: cow, pig, chicken, some cereal grain. But we have some very diverse crops. There are so many different foods that we produce and it’s great for people to get that education,” said Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Verolyn Olson.
Nathan Ryan, a co-owner of Fallentimber Meadery, located northwest of Cochrane, said although beekeepers are “always overshadowed by (other producers) in the industry,” he looks forward to opening up his farm to shed some light on the process of producing honey.
“We’re pretty new but we’ve been calling ourselves an ag-tourism business for awhile, so it’s very fitting for us to get on board,” he said about his family-owned and operated business, now in its second year.
Ryan said during Open Farms Days he plans to show the public the mead processing facilities, how mead is produced and the bee hives.
“I really see a lot of merit to ag tourism. People are really receptive and excited to see how innovative Alberta agriculture is,” he added.
Bernie Pagenkopf, owner of Rockyview Wapiti Farms Ltd., located northeast of Airdrie, said participating in Open Farm Days would be good exposure for his business. He raises all-natural, range-fed elk, bison, chickens and turkeys and sells meat products.
“We do things differently than others in the industry typically do, so it will be good for people from the city to be able to see that,” said Pagenkopf, adding that his animals are raised in a natural, stress-free environment and none of his products have antibiotics or hormones added.
“We believe we’re making an impact for the people who care about nourishing their bodies with healthy food, and care about where their food comes from.”
Alberta Culinary Tourism Alliance is also pitching in with Open Farm Days – presented by the government of Alberta, Ag for Life, Travel Alberta and the Alberta Association of Agriculture Societies – for a farm-to-table culinary event between the producers and local chefs, Aug. 24.
