Invitation to Open Farm Day

Farmers are inviting the public to experience a little piece of life on the farm during the third annual Open Farm Day on Sunday, Sept. 26.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for producers to showcase their farm operations and raise public awareness about agriculture and its influence on our everyday lives," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "It is also a great opportunity for people to show their appreciation to members of the agricultural community for all the effort that goes into their work."

Nova Scotia farms generate more than $400 million in varied products each year. The province's major farm sectors are dairy, horticulture, poultry and eggs and livestock. There are about 2,678 registered farms in Nova Scotia.

The Department of Agriculture, through its Nova Scotia Agricultural Awareness Committee, is hosting Open Farm Day this year. In 2003, more than 3,300 people visited 51 farms across Nova Scotia as part of Open Farm Day. This year 46 farms will participate in the event.

A map and list of all the farms participating in this year's Open Farm Day is available at Sobeys, Price Chopper and Foodland stores. Information is also available on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/4h/agaware .