This year’s Dufferin Town and Country Farm Tour will take place on Oct. 3 when five farms in West Dufferin will open their doors to the public.
This is the 15th year that Dufferin farmers will host a day of education and fun at their farms as they give us guided tours of how farming works first hand. Dufferin is home to over 520 farms but often the connection between these farms and the food on our plates is lost.
The tour provides an opportunity to share dialogue and see farming as it happens.
The farms include a working dairy farm, alpaca farm, red angus beef farm, a goat farm and bakery and non-GMO seed growing farm. Participants will see agricultural production in action, participate in educational activities, talk with farmers and learn how food is grown or raised, harvested and marketed.
Today, farming in Dufferin is under pressure from many sources. Urban sprawl, threats from industry and climate change are only a few challenges facing farmers as they strive to produce safe, affordable and sustainable supplies of nutritious food.
Agriculture is the largest economic contributor in Dufferin.
In 2013, the more than 520 farms in Dufferin County produced $25.6 million of beef, $16.9 million of dairy and $15.4 million worth of potatoes, among many other products. Of those 520 farms, 117 sold more than $250,000 worth of product.
This self-guided tour is free with a donation to the local food banks. There will be additional activities at each farm, including the opportunity to purchase fresh produce, eggs and honey, and more, so bring cash and a cold pack container.
Visit the tour website: www.dufferinfarmtour.com and download your passport on line.
For more information contact: marcilipman@gmail.com 519-925-0662
