Valerie Pankratz, with the Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve, is almost in tears. A dream that she has had for a number of years has been fulfilled. She has been wanting to see a venue that supports local producers who produce local, organic and healthy foods. At The Farm Gate is a project of the Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve. It promotes and provides access to local, tasty, health farm fresh food directly from the producers themselves. This direct retailing supports farmers directly. It was great to see the number of people turning out for this first-ever event.
From local soaps and oils produced by Trisha Lee in Inglis (Secrets From The Garden) to fresh squashes and pumpkins and carrots provided by Wes Huyghe, a local Minnedosa organic food grower, consumers had direct access to a number of items. Local crafts, jewelry, breads, and cooking demonstrations were all well set up in the Onanole Community Centre.
Great job Val and team! Nice to see the fall foods and our local producers featured in this way during the third annual Sonics and Sojourns festival of learning and music.

