MONTPELIER — Members of the Vermont Farm to Plate Network, in conjunction with the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, have organized Vermont Open Farm Week to enable members of the public to go straight to the source of their favorite Vermont food. Open Farm Week will take place across the state on Aug. 3-9.
A celebration of the “farm” in “farm to table,” the weeklong event will give people a behind-the-scenes look at Vermont’s vibrant working landscape. Farmers across Vermont will throw open their barn doors and garden gates to welcome the public. Visitors may be able to milk a cow, pull a carrot from the warm earth, or taste test a variety of heirloom tomatoes.
“People have a real desire to know where their food comes from,” said Meghan Sheridan, executive director of The Vermont Fresh Network and DigInVt.com. “A week-long opportunity to visit the farms where our food is raised is an authentic Vermont experience that’s fun for the whole family. From scavenger hunts to hayrides, each farm offers visitors a unique connection to the land.”
An up-to-date listing of participating farms, their offerings, and their Open Farm Week hours can be found at www.DigInVT.com. Participants are encouraged to join the conversation on social media by using #VTOpenFarm.
As of mid-July, 10 area farms have signed up to participate. They are:
• Agricola Farm, 2674 Jersey St., Panton.
• Champlain Orchards, 3597 Route 74 West, Shoreham.
• Fairy Tale Farm, 1 Arkmont Road, Bridport.
• Flatlander Farm, 693 Pond Road, North Ferrisburgh.
• Golden Well Farm & Apiaries, 1089 River Road, New Haven.
• Good Earth Farm, 142 Steinberg Road, Brandon.
• Kimball Brook Farm, 2263 Greenbush Road, North Ferrisburgh.
• Lincoln Peak Vineyard and Winery, 142 River Road, New Haven.
• Miller Hill Farm, Nursery and Gardens, 2127 Route 73 East, Sudbury.
• Treleven Farm, 164 Mitchell Drive, New Haven.
• Trevin Farms, 901 Willowbrook Road, Sudbury.
Vermont Open Farm Week is made possible by the generous support of premier sponsor City Market/Onion River Co-op. Other sponsors include the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing; The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets; Farm to Plate; and Woodchuck Hard Cider.   
Open Farm Week was organized by members of the Vermont Farm to Plate Network collaboration to help Vermont reach its statewide goals to increase farm profitability, local food availability, and consumption of Vermont food products.