MLA Report: Celebrating Our Agricultural Heritage – Why Local Food Week and Open Farm Days matter more than ever

By Justin Wright on August 20, 2025.

Last week, as we celebrated Local Food Week from Aug. 11-17, and this past weekend’s Open Farm Days on Aug. 16-17, I was reminded once again why Alberta stands as Canada’s agricultural powerhouse. From endless seas of prairie wheat to rugged ranchlands, Alberta has always been a place where hard work, innovation and pride in what we produce go hand in hand. Alberta farmers, ranchers and processors feed not just families in our community, but Canada and the world.

This past week was Local Food Week, a celebration of the people who put fresh, safe, high-quality food on our plates. It was the perfect time to visit your local farmers’ market, enjoy fresh baked goods, or pick up produce grown just down the road. Every choice to buy local supports Alberta families, strengthens our rural communities and keeps our hard-earned dollars here at home.

And this past weekend, Aug. 16 and 17, Open Farm Days returned for its 13th year. More than 155 farms across Alberta opened their gates for tours, tastings and hands-on experiences. This year’s theme – “Water, the Lifeblood of Every Farm” – highlighted the essential role water plays in our agriculture sector, from growing crops to supporting livestock, communities and recreation.

The Heart of Alberta’s Economy

Our agricultural sector isn’t just about food production – it’s about community, tradition and economic vitality. When you buy that fresh corn from a local stand or choose Alberta beef at your grocery store, you’re supporting entire rural communities and ensuring the next generation of farmers can continue feeding the world with pride and excellence.

Agriculture contributes billions to Alberta’s economy annually, employing hundreds of thousands of Albertans. But behind every number is a family farm, a ranch passed down through generations, or an innovative young producer bringing new ideas to age-old practices.

During Local Food Week, I couldn’t help but reflect on our incredible agricultural operations. What always strikes me about our community isn’t just the quality of what they produce, but the passion these producers bring to their work every day. Whether it’s the dairy farmer checking on his herd at 5 a.m. or the market gardener tending to organic vegetables, these are people who understand their work feeds families and builds communities.

Open Farm Days: Bridging Rural and Urban Alberta

Open Farm Days has become one of Alberta’s most beloved agricultural events, breaking down barriers between urban and rural Alberta. It allows city dwellers to see firsthand where their food comes from and how it’s produced. This year’s focus on water management showcased how our producers adapt to environmental challenges while maintaining the highest standards of sustainability.

The 155 participating farms represented the incredible diversity of Alberta agriculture – from grain operations on the prairies to specialty crops in irrigation districts, from cattle ranches in the foothills to innovative greenhouse operations using cutting-edge technology. Visitors experienced the innovation, stewardship and community spirit that define Alberta agriculture.

Facing Challenges Together

We know our farmers face challenges, including ongoing tariff and trade disputes with the U.S. and China that threaten market access for our world-class products. That’s why your Alberta Government continues to stand up for our producers at home and abroad, and why all of us can help by choosing Alberta-grown and Alberta-made products every chance we get.

When we shop local, we’re not just making a purchase – we’re making an investment in our communities and our future.

Looking Forward

Supporting Alberta agriculture is about more than economics. It’s about preserving a way of life that built this province, ensuring food security for future generations and maintaining the connection between the land and the people who call Alberta home.

So next time you’re at the grocery store, look for that Alberta logo. Visit your local farmers’ market. Take your family to experience a working farm. Meet your neighbours, explore the beauty of Alberta’s backyard and enjoy the fresh, delicious food grown in our province.

Let’s see the farms, taste the flavours and show our support for the people who make Alberta the best place in the world to grow, raise and enjoy our food.

Our agricultural community doesn’t just feed us – it defines who we are as Albertans.

Justin Wright is the MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat

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