Open Farm Day – Farm Participation

Celebrate 25 Years of Open Farm Day in the Atlantic Provinces – Sign up to provide Nova Scotians with a backstage pass to meet their farmer on Sunday, September 21!

Join us in connecting Nova Scotians with farming. Whether you grow fruit or vegetables at scale, raise livestock, operate a mixed farm and market, manage a Christmas tree lot, or run a busy dairy, this is a fantastic opportunity to show folks what you do and how you do it! By participating in Open Farm Day, you’re providing Nova Scotians with the opportunity to experience the farm – something many would not have the chance to experience otherwise. While also having them walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for everything that goes into feeding, fueling and providing for our province and our country.

We will be shifting from a registration process to an application process. We are also working to broaden the regional and commodity representation for this event – ensuring that we are providing Nova Scotians with a true picture of Nova Scotia agriculture’s industry.

Help us showcase the full range of Nova Scotia agriculture—from livestock and crops to value‑added products—from Sydney to Yarmouth and everywhere in between.

Can’t host folks in person, but still want to participate? Don’t worry, we can help you go live!

Not every farm can open its gates, and not every Nova Scotian can visit in person. That’s why we’re continuing online participation.  To create opportunity for connection and conversation we’re going beyond pre-recorded videos. This year, all virtual tours will be streamed live on social media on Open Farm Day. This can be a fully live virtual tour, or a pre-recorded farm tour can be streamed with the farmer available to answer questions during the live broadcast. We can help you prepare for whichever method works for you.

To participate, farms must:

• Be a registered farm,
• Be an NSFA member in good standing (and with their commodity organization, if applicable),
• Provide proof of adequate insurance,
• Be a good example of farming best practices, and
• Provide a free educational experience for members of the public. This experience must be one that provides visitors with an opportunity to connect with farming and build trust in the agriculture industry.
• Demonstrate how this farm event will help us showcase a wide range of products, farm sizes and types, regions, and sectors across Nova Scotia agriculture.

Whether you’re opening your farm gates or going live from your barn, your participation helps tell the full story of how your products get from your farm to homes around the province. We encourage you to apply early and become a featured stop on a journey that matters to Nova Scotians.