Albertans can enjoy rural life throughout the province this August as farms, ranches and agri-tourism operators bring people together to participate in educational, agricultural-based initiatives and learn where their food comes from. Alberta is known around the world for producing premium-quality, great-tasting food with the highest standards of food safety, animal care, biosecurity and environmental stewardship.

Open Farm Days is the perfect time to showcase the hard-working farmers, ranchers and processors that produce food for Albertans, Canadians and the world. Whether you’re picking fresh fruits and vegetables at a u-pick farm, buying locally grown products, or taking part in activities to learn about where our food comes from, there are many ways to support local producers and processers throughout the week and beyond.

“This week, Albertans can help celebrate the farmers and entrepreneurs that put safe, high-quality food on our plates. Open Farm Days’ theme this year is Water, The Lifeblood of Every Farm, recognizing the essential role water and irrigation have in our agriculture sector and for the entire province.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister Agriculture and Irrigation

Agri-tourism continues to grow in popularity, with many travellers seeking authentic experiences like farm-to-table dining, culinary adventures and farm stays. This steady flow of visitors supports local economies by driving business to local shops, restaurants and nearby attractions. For many years, Alberta’s government has provided annual funding to the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies to support Alberta Open Farm Days. This helps advance agri-tourism and food and culinary tourism across the province.

“Alberta’s rural and agri-tourism sectors play a vital role in the continued growth of our economy. Initiatives like Open Farm Days showcase Alberta’s rich agricultural heritage and invite visitors to discover the unique experiences, innovative farms and local business that lie outside the province’s top tourist destinations.”

Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport

During Open Farm Days on Aug. 16 and 17, host farms will open their gates to tours, and participants can buy Alberta-grown and produced products. Many hosts also organize culinary experiences featuring some of the finest chefs in rural Alberta. These farm-to-table experiences are a unique way to enjoy fresh, homegrown dishes while supporting the livelihoods of local ag operators.

“A lot of locally grown ingredients really resonate with Albertans and Canadians. Our wheat and Alberta beef are known around the world, helping to highlight Canadian cuisine. I love working with local producers who skilfully cultivate what the land can offer us.”

Blair Lebsack, chef and co-owner, RGE RD and The Butchery

Quick facts

  • Local Food Week takes place Aug. 11-17 to encourage buying local in support of producers.
  • This year, more than 155 Alberta farms will host Albertans during Open Farm Days.
  • The government’s ongoing ‘Buy Local’ initiative encourages consumers to eat, drink and buy local to show unified support for the province’s agriculture and food industry.
  • This summer, Albertans can support local producers and processors at more than 150 farmers’ markets and meet the folks who make, bake or grow our food.
  • Alberta is Canada’s biggest producer of honey, beef and processed potatoes; the second-biggest producer of wheat and canola; and a substantial exporter of oats, barley and pork.
  • More than 1.5 million arable acres are irrigated within Alberta’s 11 irrigation districts with an additional 300,000 acres irrigated through individual or private irrigators.
    • Within the 11 irrigation districts alone, irrigated land produces 28 per cent of the provincial agricultural gross domestic product.
    • Irrigation infrastructure also provides water to processors, intensive livestock operations, 50 towns and villages, wildlife habitat and recreation facilities in southern Alberta.
  • According to Destination Canada’s 2023 Global Traveller Research Program, an estimated 11 million overseas travellers and 10 million U.S. travellers are interested in experiencing agri-tourism in Alberta over the next two years.

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