Family Farm Day celebrates local agriculture
Many of us drive past farms on our daily commutes. Some understand what we see when we drive past the farms in our area, but many do not. And while we may know the farmers who have stalls or bring their produce to our local farmers markets, not all farmers are able to sell their produce at farmers markets or consistently reap the benefits of agritourism. And many small farms struggle to connect with local customers.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie Otsego Counties created Family Farm Day in 2013 to increase public awareness of agriculture through farm visits and to provide participating farms with the opportunity to expand their local customer base and increase direct-to-consumer sales. Participating farms have reported building their customer base through FFD visitors, and the annual event continues to achieve its goal of generating sales for participating farms. Each year, FFD helps increase public awareness and knowledge of agriculture, build lasting relationships between producers and consumers, and increase engagement in local agriculture.
CCESO’s annual Family Farm Day is a unique opportunity for visitors to experience exciting “open farm” tours and interactive activities at participating farms in Schoharie, Otsego and Delaware counties. Visitors to these farms can learn about local agriculture and FFD farms can share their ever-evolving “stories” – their operations, their products, their history and their vision. FFD exposes visitors to the diverse operations of local farms and keeps the important role of agriculture in our region in the public dialogue.
After more than a decade of growth and change, the FFD event continues to be popular. There is always a new farm to explore and something new to see – no matter how many times you have attended Family Farm Day.
On Saturday, August 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., more than three dozen farms in Schoharie, Otsego and Delaware counties will join in this celebration of local agriculture by opening their doors to the public for Family Farm Day 2024. Visitors can experience the diversity of farms in the area while supporting local agriculture. FFD offerings vary by farm and include opportunities for visitors to take tours, take a wagon ride, watch demonstrations, participate in free, hands-on activities, enjoy farm-fresh samples of local foods and beverages, and purchase food, gifts and decor. CCESO encourages participants to visit restaurants, breweries, distilleries, wineries and local ingredient stores as part of the FFD adventure.
Plan your FFD route at FamilyFarmDay.org or pick up a copy of the “2024 Farm Guide” at your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office, farmers market or brochure stand. In addition to the interactive map, FFD online resources and social media (follow Family Farm Day on Facebook and Instagram) include information about participating farms, links to farm websites, GPS locations of farms, driving directions, photos and more descriptions of the farms and the FFD activities offered.
For everyone’s safety, please follow these important Family Farm Day guidelines and etiquette: Visitors are not permitted to bring pets onto participating farms and all visitors must stay in designated areas on farm property. And don’t forget to bring coolers or insulated shopping bags to take home your delicious, local, farm-fresh produce!
Family Farm Day is an agritourism event hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension Delaware County and would not be possible without the continued enthusiasm and participation of local farms and the generous support of event sponsors.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educational provider known for its appreciation of AA/EEO, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and providing equal employment opportunities. Liz Callahan is the executive director of CCESOC.
