Farmers and ranchers are being invited to throw open the gates and show off their operations this summer during Open Farm Days.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Ricardo Miranda says the popularity of the annual event shows the appetite Albertans have for culinary tourism, learning more about rural life and discovering the hidden gems the province has to offer.

New for 2017, farm-to-table culinary events and open houses will now be held throughout the entire weekend.

It means there'll be even more opportunities to vist a local producer and see exactly where your food comes from.

Last year there were 92 host farms and 26 culinary events and more than 17,800 visits as well as $134,280 in on-farm sales

Producers and ag-tourism operators can sign up using the online registration form available at the Alberta Open Farm Days website. The application deadline for host farms is May 31.

Alberta Open Farm Days goes Aug.19-20, 2017.