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Alberta’s on-farm retail workshop on wheels

January 13, 2015, Grande Prairie, Alta – The On-Farm Retail Workshop on Wheels tour takes place on Tuesday January 27, 2015.

“This one-day bus tour is aimed at those interested in diversifying their operations by adding a farm store,” says Karen Goad, a farm direct marketing specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Grande Prairie. “We will visit three on-farm stores in central Alberta, with each store featuring a diverse product mix and unique size and set up.”

The bus departs from the Executive Royal Inn in Leduc at 8:30 a.m. and from the Village at Pigeon Lake at 9:25 a.m.

“The first stop is Gone Green Farms, which has a small farm store,” says Goad. “It features diverse farm raised meats and locally grown produce as well as country décor and gift items. This small farm store is located just off the highway and operates successfully on the honour system of payment.”

The tour continues to Brown Eggs and Lamb. “This on-farm store offers farm raised eggs, lamb, stone-ground rye, whole wheat and barley flour, pancake mixes, flax seed and wool products. To round out the product line, other local producers supply seasonal produce, preserves, honey, pies and dairy, beef and pork products.”

The third stop is Billyco Junction Gardens. “In 2012, the operators converted a garage into their Honeyberry Café and Farm Store where they sell a variety of farm made preserves, juices and honey. Billyco Junction hosts a wide range of value added farm centres, including farmers’ market and on-site produce sales, summer CSA, U-pick, a beautiful on-farm B&B, interpretative farm tours and outdoor country wedding venue.”

Cost for the tour is $25 per person. For more information or to register, contact Karen Goad at 780-538-5629 or via e-mail.