By Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs - (@morrittjacobs on Twitter) with files from Alberta government

Farm-to-Fork Tourism Shows Increased Public Interest

Dec 28, 2016 | 10:07 AM

ALBERTA – Public interest in farm-to-fork tourism has seen a spike this year.

Open Farm Days 2016 broke records as visitors flocked to the farms and ranches across the province to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of rural Alberta, an increase of 28 per cent from the previous year.

There were close to 18,000 visits to the farms and ranches hosting events and activities on Aug. 20-21.

Producer participation rose to 92 farms and ranches up from 72 in 2015 while culinary programs grew 44 per cent up to 26 events from 18 in 2015.

Support for Alberta producers and agri-tourism operators resulted in on-farm sales totaling $134,280 – an increase of 35 per cent over the previous year’s event.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

In an Alberta government press release, Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, stated that the event provided the unique opportunity to show the public the diversity, sustainability and opportunity for growth in the agriculture sector.

Open Farm Days is a collaborative project presented by the Government of Alberta, Ag for Life, the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies, Travel Alberta and participating farms, and agricultural societies.

In the same Alberta government press release, Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism noted that with Canada set to begin celebrating its 150th anniversary, work has already begun for an even bigger and better Open Farms Days 2017.