Alberta farms participating in Open Farm Days recorded $422,940 in direct food and product sales in 2026, the highest total in the event’s 14-year history.

Figures published in Alberta’s Nov. 3 Agri-News show 133 participating farms recorded 51,061 visits to farms and culinary events. The attendance figure counts visits, not necessarily individual people.

Organized by the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies, Open Farm Days connects visitors with farmers and ranchers through opportunities to learn about food production and buy locally produced goods.

Agricultural societies can help connect participating farms through tours, workshops and demonstrations. The association also identifies volunteer support, marketing and parking assistance as ways societies can help farm hosts.

Visitor feedback suggests interest in more organized farm outings. Among survey respondents, 77 per cent expressed interest in planned routes for a day or weekend, while 60 per cent were interested in overnight options such as farm stays and camping.

The sales total measures purchases, not farm profits. The provincial summary does not identify hosting costs or provide results for individual communities.

The next Alberta Open Farm Days is scheduled for Aug. 21 and 22, 2027.