Twenty-six Prince Edward Island 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.
"Open Farm Day is a great opportunity for Islanders and visitors to learn more about the province's number one industry and the important role it plays in our society," said Prince Edward Island's Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, George Webster.
"People will have a chance to see what life is like on a modern farm operation, which helps to build awareness and an understanding of Islanders who make their living producing high-quality food."
The agriculture and food industry is the leading industry in Prince Edward Island. In 2011, annual farm cash receipts totalled $474 million.
A total of 125 farms in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, 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 an opportunity to connect with farmers directly and learn about the wide range of products being produced here on the Island," said Julie Mutch, Open Farm Day Coordinator for Prince Edward Island.
A list of Open Farm Day locations in Prince Edward Island is available at: www.gov.pe.ca/go/peiopenfarmday
