With Alberta moving forward with Phase 2 of Relaunch on June 12 , Alberta Economic Development Trade and Tourism is proud to announce they have found a way to hold Open Farm Days in a safe and responsible way, while following government’s latest public health guidelines. They hope you will consider signing up for this year’s Open Farm Days on August 15-16. They are open to supporting you, however you choose to participate this year. Alberta Economic Development Trade and Tourism want to support the reopening of Alberta’s economy, celebrate local food and provide an opportunity to boost your sales in a way that feels comfortable and safe for you and your business. They are encouraging farms to be creative with their offerings, to find new ways to tell your story and to connect Albertans with how their food is produced.
The Government of Alberta has great information on their website for businesses that are opening as part of the relaunch. You can find all the information here: https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx
For Open Farm Days, most of the regulations can be found here: https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-relaunch-guidance-outdoor-events.pdf However, depending on what you are offering you may need to follow some of the other guidelines here: https://www.alberta.ca/guidance-documents.aspx Examples might be “food processing facilities”, “farmers markets” or “restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars”. Please check the website often as guidelines may change as the situation changes in Alberta.
Alberta Economic Development Trade and Tourism knows that allowing visitors to your farm may carry uncertainties, so they are offering support in a few ways:
- There will be a reimbursement up to $200 for Porta Potty and handwashing stations.
- We are working on an online booking service for your use to manage the number of guests that visit your farm. The number of guests can be adjusted according to provincial regulations and your comfort level as a host.
- We will be providing insurance during Open Farm Days.
- You will be provided hand sanitizer for free.
- We will also provide other resources to you to make hosting easier. This includes directional signs, posters, postcards, etc.
- Connection to a culinary coordinator who can help you navigate the Alberta Health Services processes and regulations.
If you are interested in registering please visit the website: https://albertafarmdays.ca/host-registration/ to fill out the registration form. They are aiming to have as many farms registered as possible by June 30.
If you have any questions, please connect with Alberta Economic Development Trade and Tourism and they will do their best to navigate the guidelines with you.
Brenda Hanson
Tourism Development Officer
Product Development Unit
Destination Development Branch
Alberta Economic Development Trade and Tourism
6th Floor, Commerce Place
10155 – 102 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 4L6
Tel 780-638-4302
Fax 780-427-0778
brenda.hanson@gov.ab.ca