2015 Open Farm Day

A Maine tradition, close to 100 family farms will open their gates to the public this Sunday, July 26 from 10am-3pm. Open Farm Day is an annual family event that connects consumers with the men and women who help produce their food. Activities may include barn and field tours, milking, hay rides, petting zoos, nature trails, beautiful scenery, samples for tasting and refreshments.

For more details on participating farms visit: http://www.getrealmaine.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/home.showpage/pageID/119/preview/true

Events like Open Farm Day have an impact on the Agri-Tourism in the State of Maine. According to the USDA, in 2012, AG Tourism & Recreational Services in Maine increased 78% (Increasing from $1,012,000 to $1,803,000) and participating farms increased by 141% (112 to 270 farms). Now is a great time for consumers to visit and support Maine’s farms and be part of the growing support for locally grown foods. According to Gary Keough, New England Field Office State Statistician, National Agricultural Statistics Service, “the average size of a Maine farm is 178 acres, up seven percent since 2007. Organic production and aquaculture sales increased from the last Census and the value of aquaculture sales increased from $26.3 million to $75.1 million (ranking us eighth nationally); organic products increased from $23.3 million to $36.4 million.”

Source: www.maine.gov