Meet Your Farmer at the Mall

Farmers are coming to Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth today, Sept. 7, and Saturday, Sept. 8, to tell urban shoppers about life on the farm and share samples of tasty local food.

The Meet Your Farmer at the Mall event includes a display of farm animals and machinery outside the Old Navy entrance. There will be information, children's activities, and cooking demonstrations by a local chef at Bay Court on the second level.

"Often all it takes for Nova Scotians to eat more local food is to know what's available, where to buy it, and how to prepare it," said Agriculture Minister John MacDonell. "Bringing farmers, food organizations and a chef to the mall will raise awareness with consumers and encourage them to support our agriculture industry by buying local."

The event is supported by the federal and provincial governments, the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, and affiliated commodity groups. The aim is to raise awareness about agriculture and the benefits of buying local food.

"Canada's agriculture industry plays an important role in creating jobs and keeping our economy strong," said federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Meet Your Farmer at the Mall gives Nova Scotia families the chance to meet the hardworking farmers who put food on their plates and experience what life is like on the farm."

There are about 17,000 people at Mic Mac Mall every day, which creates a good opportunity for farmers and consumers to meet and talk about local food and the agriculture industry.

"Farmers at the Mall is an new opportunity for the public to learn more about farming in a non-traditional setting," said Beth Densmore, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. "This event gives us a chance to re-connect people to where their food is coming from."

Meet Your Farmer at the Mall is a prelude to Open Farm Day on Sept. 16, when 60 farms across the province will welcome visitors for activities and demonstrations.

For more information on both events, visit www.meetyourfarmer.ca .