Farms Welcome Visitors on Sept. 23

Nova Scotians are invited to enjoy a day on the farm during the annual Open Farm Day on Sunday, Sept. 23.

"Agriculture has an important role in providing us with the foods and products we use every day, yet many of us don't have the opportunity to visit a farm to see how it all works," said Brooke Taylor, Minister of Agriculture.

Nova Scotia farms generate more than $450 million in revenue each year. This year, the department introduced a Select Nova Scotia campaign to encourage consumers to choose locally produced products when available. In keeping with that program, this year's Open Farm Day theme is Buy Local ... Eat Fresh!

"Farmers feed us all, and this is a great opportunity to enjoy local produce and thank a farmer," said Mr. Taylor.

"I was privileged to have grown up on a farm and I encourage all Nova Scotians to take part in Open Farm Day to experience what that life is like," said Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Wheat Board. "Our farmers take pride in providing safe, high quality food for consumers every day."

The province's largest farm sectors are dairy, horticulture, poultry and eggs, and livestock.

Last year, more than 9,500 visitors took advantage of the Open Farm Day opportunity. This year, 40 farms will participate in the event that is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Nova Scotia Agricultural Awareness Committee, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Sobeys Inc.

A map and list of participating farms are available at Sobeys, Price Chopper and Foodland stores. Information is also available on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/agri .