Connecting with our cultural roots can help us understand where we come from, where we may belong and where we may be heading. Living in the city, we often forget about the land that cultivates many lives. We often romanticize of the rural farming lifestyle of growing our own produce and crafting artisanal products for local consumption.

Connecting with our local farms and experiencing first hand the lifestyle will help us understand and relate to the struggles that they are facing this year. The weather has plagued many fields with an excess of moisture where crops will not grow and for some, where they have not been seeded. We have to be mindful that the livelihoods of our local farmers; is in jeopardy.

With Agri-tourism gaining momentum in the Manitoba, we have to be supportive and open to a future where tourism done right may be the new rural reality. Tourism focussed on sustainability is the goal whereby the local culture is strengthened, admired and respected. By visiting Farmers Markets all over Manitoba, we can support our local farmers by purchasing their products. Farmers Markets are a way to visit many farms without having to leave the comfort and convenience of one location.

This year, there are a couple of initiatives in the mix in Manitoba that are working towards connecting you with your local farmers:

1. At the Farm Gate – Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve
2. Open Farm Day – September 19, 2010 [Province wide]

Meet Your Farmer - Chase Farm from Pull-Start Pictures on Vimeo.

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