Nova Scotians Encouraged to Meet Their Farmers on Open Farm Day

Feed a chicken, milk a goat, and enjoy fresh local produce as farms across Nova Scotia welcome visitors for Open Farm Day, Sept. 16.

"Nova Scotia's farmers produce top-quality food for our dinner tables and contribute significantly to the provincial economy," said Agriculture Minister John MacDonell. "I encourage Nova Scotians to bring their families to a nearby farm, meet our knowledgeable farmers, and learn from the demonstrations and activities they provide."

This year, 60 Nova Scotia farms are opening their gates and doors, along with 38 farms in New Brunswick and 26 in Prince Edward Island.

"Open Farm Day provides the public with an opportunity to meet local farmers, see life on the farm and how local food is produced," said Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. "It's a great way for families to learn how Canadian farmers produce some of the highest quality food in the world."

The event is being supported by the Department of Agriculture, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sobeys Inc., and other provincial governments and agriculture organizations in the Maritimes.

"Open Farm Day is a backstage pass for consumers to see, first-hand, the hard work, skill and dedication of our farmers," said Beth Densmore, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. "It helps reconnect people to where their food is coming from."

In Nova Scotia, there are about 3,900 farms employing about 5,200 people. In 2011, the industry generated $539.7 million in farm cash receipts and $229 million in international exports. Dairy is the top revenue-generating sector, followed by fur and chicken. Eggs, cattle, blueberries, vegetables, floriculture, Christmas trees and apples each generated more than $10 million in farm gate revenues in 2011.

A list of Nova Scotia farms and the hours they will be open is available at www.meetyourfarmer.ca/openfarmday .