For Immediate Release
Contact: Anne Trenholm (207) 287-7620
John Bott (207) 287-3156
Maine Open Farm
Day is July 22!
Choose your own adventure, explore participating Maine farms
AUGUSTA – Nearly 100 Maine farms invite the public to their farms for a free event Sunday,
July 22. The 29th annual Open Farm Day is an informative 'choose your own adventure' experience to learn about Maine agriculture and farm products. Scheduled hours are 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 successful practices of Maine farms, as well as our
farmers’ hard work to produce 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, artisan
cheese makers 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 produce Maine food, fiber, flower, forest and plants products. Farms throughout Maine invite the public 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, entertainment, refreshments and animals to view.
Choose your own adventure, learn, meet and explore Maine agriculture:
Tips for a good visit:
- Stay comfy: wear and pack layers, and wear comfy shoes. Just like the rest of the days on a farm, the event happens rain or shine.
- Bring a cooler and ice. You might find that farms are offering great products to purchase and enjoy at home. Keep the quality at its best by storing items in the cooler for the ride back home.
- Please keep pets at home.
- Please stick to designated visitor areas on farms.
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