BARRHEAD - Several agricultural operations around Barrhead will open their doors to visitors on the Aug. 19-20 weekend to help people become more aware of the importance of the industry and the effort it takes to produce the food they eat.
Open Farm Days is a provincial initiative that began eleven years ago as an incubator for agri-tourism and rural sustainability. Since its inception, more than 800 agricultural operations have taken part, with more than 150,000 farm visits.
This year, six Barrhead agricultural producers and businesses are participating, including Birch Creek Farms, Mellowdale Dairy, Van Assen Farms, De Herdt Garden & Elleneke's Bake Shop, Van Assen Farms, West of the 5th Distillery and Shady Lane Estates. In Westlock, Triple Lyoness Farms is the sole participant.
More information about all the participants, such as what days they are open, what activities are on offer and directions to each operation, can be found by visiting the website (albertaopenfarmdays.ca).
The county started officially promoting the event in 2019, organizing a 40-person guided bus tour visiting participating County of Barrhead producers.
In 2020 and 2021, the county switched to a self-guided tour due to pandemic health restrictions.
However, county fieldman Kyle Meunier said they decided to stay with the format after public health restrictions ended.
"It is really a provincial program, and they should be taking the lead," he said.
But Meunier noted even though the county has scaled back its participation, they are still a big proponent of the initiative as it fits into the Agricultural Services Board's (ASB) strategic plan, adding that as such, it is important that the municipality help and encourage local agricultural producers to participate in Open Farm Days.
In addition to encouraging ag producers and businesses to get involved, the municipality, through the ASB, offers support for operators in registering for the program and offers additional assistance in helping them prepare for the weekend.
Meunier added that the county would also help advertise Open Farm Days, especially emphasizing Barrhead-area producers through the municipal website and Facebook page, along with posters distributed at select locations throughout Barrhead.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
