Halifax, Nova Scotia, September 7, 2012 - Sixty Nova Scotia farms will swing open their gates to the public on Sunday, September 16, for Open Farm Day.
"Open Farm Day provides the public with an opportunity to meet local farmers, see life on the farm, and find out how local food is produced," said federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "It's a great way for families to learn how Canadian farmers produce some of the highest-quality food in the world."
The agriculture industry plays an important role in creating jobs and keeping the economy strong. Canada is the world's fifth-largest exporter of agriculture and food products, with exports hitting an all-time high of more than $40 billion in 2011.
"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."
The agriculture and food industry is a leading industry in Nova Scotia with about 3900 farms employing roughly 5200 people. In 2011, the industry generated $539.7 million in farm cash receipts and $229.9 million in international exports.
A total of 125 farms in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick are participating in this year's Open Farm Day.
The event is being supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sobeys Inc., provincial governments, and agriculture awareness committees in the Maritimes.
"Open Farm Day is a backstage pass for consumers to see firsthand 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."
A list of Open Farm Day locations in Nova Scotia is available at: www.meetyourfarmer.ca/openfarmday
For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Meagan Murdoch
Director of Communications
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Adèle Poirier
Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture
902-424-8258
Email: poiriea@gov.ns.ca
Avril Vollenhoven
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada-Nova Scotia
902-426-2353
Email: avril.vollenhoven@agr.gc.ca
Wanda Hamilton
Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture
902-893-2293
Email: whamilton@nsfa-fane.ca
