Open Farm Day Set for Sept. 25

Nova Scotians will have an opportunity to enjoy a day in the country and learn about life on the farm during the fourth annual Open Farm Day on Sunday, Sept. 25.

"Farms play such an important role in providing us with the foods and products we use every day, yet many of us don't have the opportunity to really learn first-hand how they work," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "Open Farm Day gives us all a chance to better appreciate the impact agriculture has on our everyday lives."

Nova Scotia farms generate more than $420 million in varied products each year. The province's major farm sectors are dairy, horticulture, poultry and eggs, and livestock. There are about 2,700 registered farms in Nova Scotia.

In 2004, there were more than 8,000 visits to 46 farms across Nova Scotia as part of Open Farm Day. This year 46 farms will participate in the event, which is being hosted by the Department of Agriculture, through its Nova Scotia Agricultural Awareness Committee.

A map and list of all the farms participating in this year's Open Farm Day is available at Sobeys, Price Chopper and Foodland stores. Information is also available on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/agaware .