MADISON CO., N.Y. — Although Open Farm Day 2020 did not happen in its typical format on the last Saturday of July, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County (CCE MC) has exciting news for an event this fall. From September 1st to October 1st, Open Farm Day will be happening from the comfort of your own home! A new virtual Open Farm Day event will highlight farms throughout Madison County with opportunities to “Ask a Farmer”, find and purchase local products, and win prizes for participation.
Each week through the month of September, CCE Madison will share videos of two farms that showcase the farm, how they operate, and what they sell. The videos will be posted to our YouTube Channel, then shared to our Facebook page. An Open Farm Day sponsor, Eagle News, will also be sharing the videos. Participants will have the opportunity to ask each farmer questions to find out more about what they do, how they got started, and how their business operates. While Open Farm Day visitors won’t be treated to rides around the farm, product samples, or farm animals… they will get to see Madison County’s booming agricultural community through the virtual tours and support farmers through purchase of local product.
Ready to plan your Open Farm Day 2020 experience? Check out our Open Farm Day Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/buylocalweek/ where you can find information and updates about the videos and farms participating and out sponsors. Without the farms and sponsors Open Farm Day would not be possible!
Whether you are a first time participant or returning visitor, keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your Virtual Open Farm Day 2020 experience:
- Check out the farms: The most up-to-date farm profiles will be available by visiting https://www.facebook.com/buylocalweek/ in the coming week. Read each farm’s profile to get a snapshot of what each stop has to offer. There are a variety of farms this year and there is definitely something for everyone!
- Missing the freshness: Shop your local farmers market or farm stand and pick a lunch location in a local park, or right in your back yard, during our Virtual Open Farm Day fun! Visit our website for access to a local foods maps by our intern, Rachel Lines, made this year! http://madisoncountycce.org/agriculture/ag-economic-development/buy-local/madison-county-local-food-map
- Tell a friend: Open Farm Day is great for all. Adults and children of all ages will find the farm tours fun and informative! Be on the lookout for your favorite farms and tell everyone you know when they will be airing on our social media pages!
A huge thank you to our sponsors for Virtual Open Farm Day 2020: Price Chopper, Eagle News, Madison County Planning, Madison County Tourism, Farm Credit East, Farm Family Insurance, The Gorman Foundation, Cazenovia Equipment Company, DFA, Farm Bureau, DeRuyter Farm and Garden, Tri County WIC-CAP Madison Co., Organic Valley, Oneida Healthcare, Madison County Stop DWI/Bridges, Hamilton PCD, CNY Latino
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. Accommodations for persons with special needs may be requested by contacting our office. For further assistance or information please call (315) 684-3001.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension
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