Province-wide open farms in Strathmore

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

A partnership between the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society and Community Futures Wildrose championed for local businesses to be a part of a province-wide initiative that is educating Albertans about the origins and production of their food.
As part of the Alberta Open Farm Days, which is currently in its third year, roughly 180 residents will have a chance to enjoy a farm-to-table experience at the Rocking R Guest Ranch, which showcases locally grown food and the talents of Calgary-based chef Judy Wood. As part of the collaborative, two-day event, community members receive a back-stage pass to visit five local host farms for a free educational experience.
Participating in the Alberta Open Farm Days for the first time, the ag society and Community Futures Wildrose simply refused to pass up the opportunity when it presented itself this year.
“There’s a real trend that people want to connect more with the people that are providing the food and are eager to support local food producers,” said Tera Spyce, supporter for the Alberta Open Farm Days, with Community Futures Wildrose.
“It needed a champion to get it going and I approached the agricultural society with the idea.”
Over 70 farms are participating on Aug. 23, and locally include Country Lane Farms, Field Stone Fruit Wines, Four Sister Farms, Poplar Bluff Organics, and Riqueza Riding Academy.
Poplar Bluffs Organics, a wholesale organic vegetable farm, supplies 70 restaurants in Calgary and area, can be found in health food stores, and has been featured on the Food Network. As one of the participating farms next weekend, the 60-acre operation is opening up the doors to their organic carrot farm.
“We thought it was important to be buying local produce and for people to know there are vegetable being grown in this area,” said Rosemary Wotske, co-owner of Poplar Bluff Organics. “Where we are here in the Strathmore area is probably one of the best places on the planet for growing root crops.”
To take part in the Alberta Open Farm Days culinary event on Aug. 22, which features entertainment – including main act Over the Moon – activities and a dinner, tickets can be purchased for $75 each, or $125 for two, through Eventbrite or by contacting Rocking R Guest Ranch at (403) 934-6974. For more information about the weekend event or for information on the host farms, visit www.albertafarmdays.com.