Planning is underway for the first Farms Open event in Renfrew County. The event is coming up on September 18th. Business Development Officer with the County of Renfrew, David Wybou, says the initiative was started by local farmers and adds there will be a map showing the different farms that are open and offering tours.
He adds it’s an opportunity to talk with local farmers and see what they go through to bring the food that we eat to our tables.
Wybou says you may not realize how much is grown and produced here in Renfrew County.
Marshall Buchanan is the President of Ottawa Valley Food Co-op, the National Farmers Union President and a direct to consumer farmer in Renfrew County. He says it’s important to show where food comes from and build relationships.
Buchanan says people see food prices increasing, they know fuel is expensive, but most don’t get to talk to farmers.
Buchanan says he will be a host site as part of the Farms Open event offering tours to meet the animals, an opportunity to see how they manage the gardens and locally produced products such as sausage rolls, perogies and butter tarts.
Other locations that have signed up already include Calabogie Rustic Farm and Mapleside Sugar Bush.
Farms that are interested in taking part in the event can learn more on the Taste of the Valley website or Ottawa Valley Food Coop website. You can also get more information by contacting Marshall Buchanan by phone or text at 613-602-5253.
An application form for interested farms is available here.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)
