Maine Open Farm Day is July 23!

July 13, 2017

For more information contact: Samantha Howard, John Bott at: 207-287-7620, 207-287-3156

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