It’s Local Food week in Alberta, from Aug. 12 to Sunday, Aug. 18, and there’s no better time to enjoy the bounty from local growers.
“Alberta is known around the world for producing premium-quality, great-tasting food with the highest standards of food safety, animal care, biosecurity and environmental stewardship.
“Whether it’s fresh produce, craft beer and cider or our world-renowned Alberta beef, Alberta’s agriculture producers provide our province, country, and world with nutritious food every single day.
“Over the next week, Albertans will have the opportunity to meet the hard-working farmers and entrepreneurs that put nutritious food on our plates.
“Whether you’re picking fresh fruits and vegetables at a u-pick farm, buying locally grown products, or taking part in activities to learn about where our food comes from, there are many ways to support your local food producers throughout the week.
“I encourage you to visit a farmers’ market near you. While you’re there, look out for products with the “Made in Alberta” label, which identifies foods grown or processed right here in Alberta,” says Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson.
There are many local farmer’s markets and stalls around the Flagstaff region, a few local u-picks, and even some grocery stores who carry locally grown produce. Don’t forget local meat markets and vendors selling goods made locally, too.
Local Food week wraps up with Open Farm Days, and one local enterprise, the Friends of the Battle River Rail, will celebrate the event with their sold out “Explore Farm to Fork by Train,” event.
On Saturday, Aug. 17, the train will depart from Kelsey just after noon, and arrive in Forestburg at 4 p.m. stopping along the way. “The train will stop along the tracks to visit with local farmers, out in their fields, and learn about the crops they raise and the methods they use to provide food for your table.”
The excursion will also provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about crops grown in the area, to see local wildlife, birds, and flora from an expert guest on board from an open-air gondola car, while enjoying locally grown snacks.
Once the train arrives in Forestburg, there will be an opportunity to tour the village, and then enjoy a long-table meal with a locally sourced menu at The Station.
While there are no other Open Farm destinations within Flagstaff County, there are some in the Rosalind district, at the Erin and Casey Murphy-Thompson farm, and the Round Hill Renaissance Agriculture Foundation.
To see more Open Farm Day events happening around the province, visit their website: Alberta openfarmdays.ca
There you will find downloadable maps, information on each participating venue, including times and directions.
Leslie Cholowsky
Editor