Farms Welcome Visitors on Sept. 20

Fifty-two Nova Scotia farms will welcome visitors on Sunday, Sept. 20 for the 8th annual Open Farm Day, an awareness event in the Maritimes that lets people learn more about local food production.

"Farmers are important to communities throughout Nova Scotia and they are implementing innovations that will make farming more competitive and profitable," said Agriculture Minister John MacDonell. "By visiting a farm on Open Farm Day people will be more aware of the fresh and healthy farm products that are grown in Nova Scotia."

"I'm proud of Canadian farmers and proud that the government puts farmers first when it comes to agricultural policies," said federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Open Farm Day is not only an enjoyable learning experience for the whole family, it's also an opportunity to see the dedication and hard work that goes into the production of our safe and top-quality food."

Farms in the province generate more than $454 million in revenue each year. The province's largest farm sectors are dairy, horticulture, poultry and eggs, and livestock.

"Open Farm Day is an opportunity for the public to learn about local food production and enjoy the experience of life on the farm," said Beth Densmore, co-chair of the Nova Scotia agricultural awareness committee.

Last year, 50 farms and around 10,000 visitors took part in Open Farm Day activities.

One new event this year is an open house at the Kentville Agricultural Centre. Scientists and technical staff will talk about the research they carry out and how it helps the agriculture industry.

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

The event is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Nova Scotia Agricultural Awareness Committee, Sobeys Inc. and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, through Growing Forward.

In April, the federal and Nova Scotia governments launched Growing Forward, a $24.6-million, multi-year set of agricultural programs to help Nova Scotia farmers become more profitable, innovative and competitive. Growing Forward includes funding for business risk management programs to help protect farmers against production and market losses.