Montgomery County Farm Tour and Harvest Sale on Saturday Sunday, July 27 28, Features 24 Agricultural Locations for Visitors to Buy Fresh Produce, See Farm Animals and Explore[...]

For Immediate Release: Friday, July 19, 2024

The 2024 Montgomery County Farm Tour and Harvest Sale on Saturday and Sunday, July 27-28, will have 24 agricultural locations open to visitors. Two farms will join the tour for the first time, including Deere Valley Farms in Dickerson and Koiner Farm in Silver Spring. The Koiner Farm will be the first nonprofit urban farm on the tour. The Visit Montgomery Adventure Planner"Farm Tour Digital Passport" is available for visitors to plan their weekend via this online tool which will allow people to filter their interests to find locations that match their tastes.

The 2024 Farm Tour offers something for everyone, from exploring 24 select farms in the County's Agricultural Reserve, shopping local and enjoying fresh food to seeing farm animals and learning about farming as a way of life. The Farm Tour will offer a rare chance to visit many farms that are only open to the public during this special weekend event.

Visitors are invited to enjoy the stunning views of the Agricultural Reserve as they tour the grounds and facilities of 24 agricultural locations, farms, orchards, breweries and wineries open during the event. Most 2024 Farm Tour locations are free to enter and explore. However, a select few charge a nominal fee for entry or activities. Food/drinks, farm products, pick-your-own and other local items are available for purchase at each farm.

The Farm Tour also will present a fun-filled weekend of family-friendly activities. It is a unique educational opportunity for children to connect with nature and learn about where their food comes from before it reaches their table.

Tourgoers can get a behind-the-scenes look at agriculture from robotic cow-milking to butter churning. Participating farms will offer a variety of activities, including hayrides, pony rides and tractor rides. Some locations will have arts and crafts. Tours are self-guided so people can choose to visit one, two or all 24 farms as their time and schedule allow.

"The Farm Tour is a fantastic opportunity for residents, especially those who may not have regular access to farm life, to experience the rich agricultural heritage of Montgomery County," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "Understanding the vital role farms play in our County and the importance they have toward our economy, environment and quality of life is worth learning about at any age. This event allows everyone to learn firsthand about sustainable farming practices and the importance of local agriculture. I highly encourage County residents to take a tour."

The County features an expansive and vibrant agricultural community, making the Agricultural Reserve one of the County's hidden treasures. With about one-third of the County's total land area preserved for farming, the County has the highest percentage of formally protected farmland in the nation. There are 558 farms and 350 horticultural businesses located throughout the County's 93,000-acre Agricultural Reserve. A key component of the County's success, these agricultural businesses annually pump more than $280 million into the County's economy.

Tourgoers can take part in the Buy Local Challenge to pick fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers or simply appreciate the peacefulness of the Agricultural Reserve.

During the Farm Tour weekend, all 24 participating farms will be open on Saturday, July 27 and 20 farms will be open on Sunday, July 28. Tourgoers should check the 2024 Farm Tour websitefor each farm they plan to visit for any additional costs, details on hours and activities or to make any necessary reservations. No pets are allowed except service animals for persons with disabilities.

The participating agricultural locations, farms, orchards, breweries and wineries will include:

To access the Farm Tour Digital Passport, download Visit Montgomery's Adventure Planner App to your smartphone or device.

1. Download the App to your device: Download from the App Storeor Download from Google Play Store
2. Select "Passport", then select "Farm Tour Digital Passport"
3. Start exploring. The mobile app will allow Farm Tour visitors to select the participating farms they are interested in visiting, map the best route and check in.

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Release ID: 24-333
Media Contact: Mark Roper 240-962-1743
Categories: Recreation

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