For Immediate Release
July 17, 2017
Contact: Samantha Howard (207) 287-7620 John Bott (207) 287-3156
Maine Open Farm
Day is July 23!
Participating farms will open their gates to the public
AUGUSTA – Over 80 Maine farms will be open to the public on Sunday,
July 23, for the 28th annual Open Farm Day. Open Farm Day is
an opportunity for consumers to learn about Maine food producers and for
farms to show the public their products. Participating farms are generally open
from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"This is an exciting time for Maine-made products and
Maine agriculture,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Maine’s 8,200 farm operations provide wholesome
foods, thousands of jobs and over $740 million in farm receipts, not including direct sales at
farms or farmers markets. The recent success of Maine farms, as well as the
hard work that produces locally-grown food, can be experienced firsthand on Open Farm Day.”
Maine Department of Agriculture,
Conservation and Forestry
Commissioner Walt Whitcomb urged families to visit local farms on Open
Farm Day. “Maine farm families have a history
of agricultural productivity and provide a rich diversity of agricultural crops
not seen on a commercial scale in the rest of New England,” said Commissioner
Walt Whitcomb. “Our state is notable for the number of farms, new farmers, artisanal
cheesemakers and its support for farmers markets and agricultural fairs.”
Open Farm
Day is an annual family event that connects consumers with the men and women
who help produce their food. Farms throughout Maine will open their gates to
offer the public an opportunity to learn about the business of
agriculture. Many farms will have demonstrations, displays, animals, crops and farm-raised
products for sale.
Activities
may include: barn and field tours, milking, hay rides, nature trails, beautiful
scenery, samples for tasting, refreshments and animals to view.
For
more details on participating farms visit:
http://www.getrealmaine.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/calendar.detail/event_id/318/index.htm
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