Applications are now open for a program that lets people see where locally-grown food comes from. Open Farm Days has been held in August around Alberta for the last seven years. The program lets locals tour a working farm or ranch, learn more about its operations and even try some locally grown food.

Many around the Lakeland stopped by the K-Cow Ranch near Elk Point last August to have a peek at their operations. Guests were also treated to a Sunday brunch featuring locally sourced meat and produce.

Last year saw a record number of operations open their doors, up sixteen percent from the year prior. Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Oneil Carlier says the program is quickly becoming an ag-tourism staple around the province.

“Open Farm Days provides a unique opportunity to highlight agriculture’s importance and vitality as a core sector in the province. Alberta has some of the best food producers and processors in the world. I am proud that we are strengthening our support for the local food sector which continues to grow. It’s important for Albertans to connect with the hard-working farmers who are feeding their families and communities.”

The deadline for applications is May 31st. Farms can register online at the Open Farm Days website.