Agritourism marketing: Three remarkable case studies in New Zealand
April 19, 2024
Moderator: Marijke Dunselman, Founder of Agritourism New Zealand (www.agritourism.nz) & the Agritourism Academy.
Panelists:
Shaun Monk — Island Hills Station Walk www.islandhillsstation.com
Amber Tyrell — Valley Views Glamping www.valleyviews.co.nz
Rachel Bartrum — Lynton Downs Farmstay www.lyntondowns.co.nz
Description:
What are the most successful strategies for marketing agritourism operations? Marijke Dunselman, Founder of Agritourism New Zealand, and three farmers shared their tips, tricks, and lessons learned. Marijke started off the webinar with an overview of agritourism marketing. Amber Tyress from Valley Views Glamping shared how their agritourism glamping business has grown through social media marketing. Shaun Monk from Island Hills Station talked about how his business grew after the borders closed due to Covid and had to focus on the domestic market with the support of media, especially TV and newspaper for their 3-day walk on a high-country station. Rachel Bartrum from Lynton Downs Farmstay, a historic homestead that has been restored after a severe earthquake, hosts mainly international visitors through travel agents. We explored how these three different approaches to marketing have relevance for agritourism operations of all sizes in all different parts of the world.
Video Recording
Business Planning for Agritourism Enterprises
January 23, 2024
Business planning is critical for any type of enterprise, and agritourism is no exception. This webinar covers key steps for business planning and introduces you to a new online tool. AgPlan is a free, easy-to-use business planning app designed to provide customized assistance for different types of businesses, including agritourism. In this webinar, we provide a general overview of business planning for agritourism as well as information about registering for an online training series in February and March for those who would like to develop a business plan this winter with guidance from Extension business planning experts.
Moderator: Lisa Chase, University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Tourism Research Center
Panelists:
Zac Smith, University of Vermont Extension
Katie Johnson, Center for Farm Financial Management
Lindsey Pashow, Adirondack View Farm, Cornell Cooperative Extension
Video Recording
After watching the recording, please respond to an online survey to let us know what you learned and how best to support business planning.
Resources:
Webinar hosted by the Global Agritourism Network and National Extension Tourism Network Agritourism Working Group.
Growing the Global Agritourism Network: Findings from Evaluations of Webinars and Conferences
October 11, 2023
The Global Agritourism Network, launched six months ago, already has over 500 members representing 79 countries. At this webinar, we gave an update on initiatives led by the Global Agritourism Network, and shared survey results with important implications for policy, practice, research, and the development of educational events to support agritourism.
Moderator: Lisa Chase, University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Tourism Research Center
Panelists:
Lori Dickes, Clemson University [Presentation (PDF)]
Claire Whitehouse, University of Vermont [Presentation (PDF)]
Chadley Hollas, Cultivating Tourism and University of Georgia [Presentation (PDF)]
Legislation to Support Agritourism in the United States
October 4, 2023
On August 11, U.S. Representatives Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the bipartisan AGRITOURISM Act. This legislation would create an Office of Agritourism in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to represent the interests of agritourism businesses and consolidate federal resources to sustain agritourism businesses, such as loans, grants, and broadband connectivity programs. At this webinar, we were joined by legislative leaders who presented information about the purpose and intent of the bill, along with anticipated actions and timelines. Webinar participants asked questions about the legislation and panelists discussed ways to assist in the process and advocate for agritourism support in the U.S.
Panelists: Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Legislative Director Chris Katson, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Legislative Director Bubba White, for Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC)
Moderators: Lisa Chase, University of Vermont Extension, Suzi Spahr, NAFDMA International Agritourism Association, Scottie Jones, Farmstay
Video Recording:
Resources:
- Flyer about the Congressional Agritourism Caucus and the AGRITOURISM Act (PDF)
- Dear Colleague letter from Representatives Wexton and Newhouse about the AGRITOURISM Act (PDF)
- Details on the AGRITOURISM Act (H.R. 5203)
- Sample letter to Representatives (DOCX)
- Sample letter to Senators (DOCX)
Webinar hosted by NAFDMA International Agritourism Association, Farmstay, National Extension Tourism Network, and Global Agritourism Network.
North America Meeting of the Global Agritourism Network (GAN)
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Video Recording
Resources
Lisa Chase’s presentation (PDF)
A Regenerative Agritourism Pathway for the Pacific Islands
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Regenerative Vanua aims to support resilient and climate smart communities by restoring pride in Indigenous food and culture as well as through regenerative agritourism and food tourism, regenerative farming and food systems, and regenerative landscapes. This presentation is based on the outcomes of two Critical Participatory Action Research (CPAR) projects conducted in the Pacific Islands between 2018 and 2023. The CPAR process led by Indigenous Pacific Islanders developed a definition, standards, criteria and categories for regenerative agritourism with a particular focus on protecting Indigenous land management knowledge systems, climate mitigation and adaptation, land sovereignty, decolonization of land and food systems and rural Indigenous livelihoods in the Pacific.
Video Recording
Moderator: Lindsey Pashow, Cornell Cooperative Extension, New York, USA, Email: lep67@cornell.edu
Panelists:
- Dr. Cherise Addinsall, Adjunct Fellow, University of Sunshine Coast, Member of the Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research, Vanuatu and Australia, Email: Cherise.Addinsall@scu.edu.au
- David Gillespie, Farmer and Chair of the Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture and Agritourism Committee of the Global Agritourism Network, Quebec, Canada, Email: sraagritourism@gmail.com
Resources:
- Vanuatu Re-imagines Tourism (YouTube)
- An Introduction to Regenerative Vanua (YouTube)
- Regenerative Vanua website
North America Meeting of the Global Agritourism Network (GAN)
Thursday, June 15, 2023
The first meeting of the North America region of the Global Agritourism Network (GAN) took place on Thursday, June 15. The goal of the interactive Zoom meeting was to connect with others working in agritourism throughout North America and begin developing a strategy for sharing resources, strengthening networks, and supporting agritourism throughout our region. Scottie Jones of Farm Stay USA and Suzi Spahr of NAFDMA International Agritourism Association led the meeting, as co-chairs of the North America region of GAN. Lisa Chase of University of Vermont Extension and Chair of GAN helped facilitate, along with Chadley Hollas of Cultivating Tourism and Secretary of GAN and Claire Whitehouse of the University of Vermont Center for Rural Studies. Three speakers gave overviews of agritourism in their respective countries including:
- Dr. Luis Alberto Morales of the San Quintín School of Engineering and Business of the Autonomous University of Baja California in Mexico;
- Christina Conell, Director of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Services Local and Regional Foods Division in the USA; and
- David Gillespie, Farmer and Chair of the Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture and Agritourism Committee of the Global Agritourism Network in Quebec, Canada.
After the overviews of Mexico, the US, and Canada, participants answered a series of polls and open-ended questions in chat. The poll results and chat (with identifying information removed) are posted below.
Resources
Video Recording
The Global Agritourism Network welcomes everyone including farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers; researchers; educators; community planners; government entities; agricultural service providers; development organizations; tour operators; and more. By working together across professions, GAN aims to enhance the capacity of agritourism worldwide. Visit Global Agritourism Network (GAN) Registration to register and become a part of GAN.
Global Agritourism Network (GAN) Launch
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Leading scholars and practitioners of agritourism have joined forces to form the Global Agritourism Network (GAN). This network of agritourism stakeholders (farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers; researchers; educators; community planners; government entities; agricultural service providers; development organizations; tour operators; hospitality operators; event planners; among others) aims to enhance the capacity of agritourism worldwide. On April 11, we officially launched GAN with a Zoom meeting. We began with an introduction of GAN and then moved into breakout groups for GAN committees. We welcome you to join this growing network of agritourism professionals!
Please fill out the form here if you would like to be part of the Global Agritourism Network.
Video Recording
Resources
Marketing Your Farm
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Learn the three essential components of marketing your farm, with a focus on agritourism. Myrna Greenfield is the “Top Egg” at Good Egg Marketing and the author of Marketing Your Farm: A practical guide to attracting loyal customers and increasing sales. Ellen Parlee is the co-owner of Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, which offers pick-your-own fruit and flowers, along with a farmstand, bakery, ice cream stand, animal petting area, and a food trailer for lunch. Ryan Wilson is the co-owner of DeMeritt Hill Farm in Lee, New Hampshire, which offers pick-your-own apples/peaches/blueberries/Xmas trees, hayrides, school tours, special events, Cross Country running, and hiking trails and has a full commercial kitchen. The farm plays host to Torey Roderick Performance Horses and every October, the world-famous Haunted Overload. Lisa Chase from University of Vermont Extension will moderate the session.
Video Recording
Moderator: Lisa Chase, University of Vermont Extension and Vermont Tourism Research Center, lisa.chase@uvm.edu
Panelists:
Myrna Greenfield, Good Egg Marketing, myrna@goodeggmarketing.com
Ellen Parlee, Parlee Farms, ellen@parleefarms.com
Ryan Wilson, DeMeritt Hill Farm, info@demeritthillfarm.com
Resources
"Marketing Your Farm" presentation slides (PDF).
Hosting an Event with Food on Your Farm
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Hosting an event with food on your farm is a great way to gather your community, feed a crowd, provide education about farming, and grow your business. Join this webinar to learn how to safely and legally host your next tasting, farm to table dinner, or another event with food. During the session we will hear from Corie Pierce, owner of Bread and Butter Farm in Shelburne, Vermont and regular host of burger nights. We will also hear from Andrew Marchev, volunteer attorney in the Legal Food Hub network and Lisa Chase, Agritourism Expert at University of Vermont Extension.
Video Recording
Resources
Agritourism Networking Session
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Farmers and ranchers, researchers, tourism professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, agricultural service providers, and others interested in agritourism are invited to share their knowledge and experience. This session will have facilitated breakout rooms in Zoom meeting focused on different topics. Come ready to share and meet others working with agritourism!
Click here for an audio only recording of this presentation.
Resources and Links
Moderators:
- Lisa Chase, University of Vermont Extension
- Lori Dickes, Clemson University
- Claudia Gil Arroyo, North Carolina State University
- Trevor Jonas Benson, Bannikin
- Nikki Rose, Crete’s Culinary Sanctuaries
- David Rust, Sagra Farms
- Claudia Schmidt, Pennsylvania State University
- Shiva Soroushnia, Researcher and Tour Guide
Supporting Document:
Agritourism and Wellness
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
The cognitive sciences now tell us what indigenous wisdom has always know: that being in Nature is an important component of both our physical and emotional wellbeing. The wellness of our social relationships are interdependent with the quality of our relationships with the natural world. The wellness industry is booming, and nature tourism is on the rise. So what role does agritourism play in amplifying social, individual, and planetary wellness? Join us to hear panelists from New Zealand and the United States share their experiences with farms that work with health and healing on different levels.
Video Recording of This Presentation
Highlights Video
Click here for an audio only recording of this presentation.
Resources and Links
Moderator:
Panelists:
- Melisa Oliva, Vermont's Wellness Farm at Ananda Gardens (USA) [email] [website] [presentation (PDF)]
- Simon Phillips, The Piripi Group, (New Zealand) [email] [website] [presentation (PDF)]
- Matthew McMahon, Gould Farm (USA) [email] [website] [presentation (PDF)]
Culinary Innovation on the Farm
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Farmers and chefs are part of a long history of innovation -- in technique, production, and taste -- to express culture through cooking and to grow ingredients that perform and delight. All traditions were once innovations. There is a dance between honoring heritage and respecting the future, especially in the age of climate change. Farm dinners are often the first point of engagement for guests to connect with these lineages and learn how culinary pioneers can shape the future. Join this panel to hear stories from Greece, the U.S. and Panama of how ingredients push models of culinary-focused agritourism forward.
Video Recording of This Presentation
Highlights Video
Click here for an audio only recording of this presentation.
Resources and Links
Moderator:
Panelists:
- Joseph Archbold, Receta Michilá and Octo (Panama) [email] [website] [instagram] [presentation (PDF)]
- Kate Barney, Row 7 Seeds (USA) [email] [website] [instagram] [presentation (PDF)]
- Nikki Rose, Crete’s Culinary Sanctuaries (Greece) [email] [website] [presentation (PDF)]
Innovative Ways to Sell Agricultural Products Direct to Consumers -- in French and English // Valorisation de Circuits Courts, par la Francophonie «des Options Originales pour Acheter Local!»
The first hour will be in English and the second hour will be in French. The presentations will be the same but the Q&A will vary. You are welcome to join one or both hours using the same Zoom link.
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
The evolving pandemic has brought to light the importance of promoting agri-food products in local markets, purchasing locally sourced supplies, and selling direct to consumers. Join French-speaking partners (southern Quebec, Eastern Ontario and the Aube region of France), to discuss innovative ways to make it easier for residents, tourists, and businesses to buy local. These initiatives promote local products and short distribution chains to limit the number of go-betweens and bring producers in closer contact with consumers.
Le contexte pandémie en évolution a mis en lumière l’importance de valoriser les produits agroalimentaires sur les marchés locaux, de s’approvisionner localement, de commercialiser en circuits courts. À travers cette conférence, donnée en collaboration avec des partenaires de la francophonie (Sud du Québec, Est de l’Ontario et Aube en France), vous découvrirai plusieurs options pour faciliter l’achat local tant pour les citoyens, les touristes que les entreprises. Ces initiatives valorisent les produits locaux et les circuits courts pour développer l’économie locale et les communautés rurales.
Video in English
Vidéo en français
Highlights Video
Resources and Links
Moderators:
- Isabelle Charlebois [email] [ website] [Video about Tourisme Hautrichelieu]
- David Gillespie [email]
Panelists:
- Christelle Taillardat [email] [website]
- Nadia Dufour [email] [website] [website
- Mireille Labranche [email] [website]
- Tom Manley [email] [website (English)] [website (French)]
Presentation Slide Deck
Reaching Your Target Market: Booking Sites for Farm Stays and Experiences
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Airbnb, Yonder, Hipcamp, Harvest Hosts – the options seem endless when exploring websites for farms and ranches welcoming visitors. Whether those guests are seeking a rustic camping experience, an original farmhouse stay, or are looking for luxurious accommodations and meals, farm hosts have a variety of options for listing their accommodations and experiences and for setting up online reservation systems. Join experienced agritourism operators for a discussion of the options for listing and booking farm stays and experiences. We'll also introduce a resource that summarizes pros and cons of different websites.
Moderator: Lisa Chase, University of Vermont Extension (USA)
Speakers: Scottie Jones, Farm Stay USA (USA); Jenn Colby, Howling Wolf Farm (USA); Chiara Sattin, Villa Buzzaccarini (Italy); Angela Tweedy, University of Vermont (USA)
Video Recording of This Presentation
Highlights Video
Click here for an audio only recording of this presentation.
Resources and Links
- Lisa Chase
- Jenn Colby
- Scottie Jones
- Chiara Sattin
- Angela Tweedy
Agritourism as a Tool for Rural Development and Women’s Empowerment
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Agritourism has the potential to empower women around the world, especially in rural communities. Join community leaders who are initiating this work in Uganda, North Macedonia, Peru and the United States. We'll also hear from researchers who are studying the role of gender in agritourism around the globe.
Moderator: Claudia Schmidt, Pennsylvania State University (USA)
Speakers: Claudia Gil Arroyo, North Carolina State University (USA); Maria Baryamujura, COBATI (Uganda); Elena Mladenovska Jelenkovic, CEO of M6 Educational Center, Executive Center of Wines of Macedonia (North Macedonia).
Video Recording of This Presentation
Highlights Video
Click here for an audio only recording of this presentation.
Resources and Links
- Claudia Schmidt, Pennsylvania State University (USA)
- Claudia Gil Arroyo, North Carolina State University (USA)
- Maria Baryamujura, COBATI (Uganda)
- Elena Mladenovska Jelenkovic, CEO of M6 Educational Center, Executive Director of Wines of Macedonia (North Macedonia)
Agritourism definitions and standards around the globe
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
What is agritourism anyway? Definitions and standards vary around the world, with some understandings focused on educational experiences on working farms while other perspectives are more expansive. Researchers and practitioners from Italy, India, Scotland, South Africa, and the USA will discuss and debate the meanings of agritourism in different parts of the world -- and the importance of working towards a common understanding.
Moderator: Lisa Chase, University of Vermont Extension (USA)
Speakers: Sharon Flanigan, James Hutton Institute (Scotland); Thomas Streifeneder, Eurac Research (Italy); Pandurang Taware, Agri Tourism India (India); Jacqui Taylor, Agritourism Africa (South Africa)
Video Recording of This Presentation
Highlights Video
Click here for an audio only recording of this presentation.
Resources and Links
- Presentation slides
- Lisa Chase
- Sharon Flanigan
- Thomas Streifeneder
- Pandurang Taware
- Jacqui Taylor
Building a Regional Taste, Trade and Identity: International Case Study on Cider
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Let's celebrate (hard) cider! It's a great example of how distinctive, value-added products can support the viability of farming and evoke a local food culture and sense of place that is closely tied to agriculture. The Glynwood Center for Food and Farming, based in the Hudson Valley of New York, enlivened this historic apple region by incubating a state-wide trade association for the cider industry and developing an international exchange program around cider. Join panelists from the UK, Japan and the US as they discuss their work promoting cider. Learn how collaborative models in each country connect trade professionals and the public to farm-based cider producers, leading to increased public awareness and appreciation.
Moderator: Megan Larmer, Glynwood Center for Food and Farming (USA)
Panelists: Gabe Cook, The Ciderologist (UK); Lee Reeve, inCiderJapan (Japan); Rachel Freier, Cider Week New York (USA)
Video Recording of This Presentation
Highlights Video
Resources and Links
- Gabe Cook
- Lee Reeve
- Rachel Freier
Congressional Briefing on Agritourism
Thursday, June 3, 2021
Organized by the University of Vermont and FAO North America with support from the Office of U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy
As we move beyond the Covid-19 pandemic, agricultural producers need additional sources of revenue and families are seeking healthy, outdoor experiences and fresh, locally-produced food. Agritourism – working farms, ranches, and vineyards open to visitors – provides safe recreational and educational opportunities for local residents and tourists. These enterprises at the farm-community-tourism nexus allow communities and visitors to be a part of preserving the working landscape, creating jobs, maintaining farming traditions, sustaining cultural identities, and contributing to food security.
Moderator: Thomas Pesek, Senior Liaison Officer of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Introduction: Andrew Bahrenburg, Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont
Panelists:
- Dr. Lisa Chase, Natural Resources Specialist at University of Vermont Extension and Director of the Vermont Tourism Research Center
- Ms. Gail E. Chehak, Tribal Relations & Outreach Manager, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA)
- Attorney Rusty Rumley, Senior Staff Attorney at the National Agricultural Law Center in Arkansas
- Dr. Carrie Castille, Director of USDA NIFA
Briefing Recording
Short Video on Agritourism
Resources for each of the panelists are listed below
- Lisa
- Agritourism Research and Resources for Producers https://www.uvm.edu/vtrc/agritourism
- AgMRC Agritourism | Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (agmrc.org)
- Gail
- Rusty
- Carrie
- https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-industry-loan-guarantees
- https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/intermediary-relending-program
- https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-business-development-grants
- https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-economic-development-loan-grant-program
- https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-microentrepreneur-assistance-program
- https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants
- Alternative Enterprises and Agritourism | NRCS (usda.gov)
- https://breadandbutterfarm.com/our-experiences
Regional Agritourism Strategies for Community Economic Development
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
This gathering highlights how international regions as diverse as Canada, Iran and Georgia are using agritourism as a way to build resilience by celebrating agricultural history, ecology, and heritage. We will hear how agritourism initiatives are key to sustaining rural economic development by allowing farmers to diversify their income, regenerate communities, and reimagine the future (and recovery) as travel trends shift during the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Presenters will share best practices and lessons learned from developing and implementing regional strategies around agritourism.
Moderator: Katharine Millonzi, Millonzi Consulting
Speakers: Trevor Benson, Vice President of Destination Development, Culinary Tourism Alliance, Canada; Dr. Lela Kartishvili, Agritourism Expert, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Georgia; Shiva Soroushnia, Researcher and Tour guide, Iran Safar Travel Agency, Iran
Video Recording
Click here for an audio-only recording of this presentation.
Resources and Links
- Katharine Millonzi
- Shiva Soroushnia, Researcher and Tour Guide, Iran Safar Travel Agency, Iran
- Trevor Benson, Vice President, Destination Development, Culinary Tourism Alliance, Canada
- Dr. Lela Kartishvili, Consultant, Georgia
Culinary Lens on Agritourism
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Food is an ultimate connector and a big part of why we travel. We share stories, form relationships and build communities around the table, and through our culinary traditions. In this gathering, we will hear stories from around the world of the relationship between agritourism and cuisine. Our panelists include a cacao farmer in Costa Rica, a food tourism expert in Spain, and a regenerative farmer in the UK who work with chefs. They will describe how they foster experiences that embrace an authentic taste of place -- and attract tourists interested in supporting local foodways and rural livelihoods.
Moderator: Katharine Millonzi, Millonzi Consulting
Speakers: Jane Connelly, Culinary Tourism Expert, Spain; Alex Retana Mena, Agriculturist and Dreamer, Finca Kobo, Costa Rica; Tom Morphew, CEO, Full Circle Farms Sussex Ltd. and The Garden Army Ltd.
Video Recording
Click here for an audio-only recording of this presentation.
Resources and Links
- Katharine Millonzi
- Jane Connelly
- Alex Retana Mena
- Tom Morphew
Exploring the Diversity and Impact of Agritourism in Southern Africa
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Agritourism ventures across Southern Africa offer critical and engaging portraits of how ecological conservation connects to cultural heritage and the tourism industry. This panel will highlight how agritourism is helping to develop rural economies and provide opportunities to launch businesses that further socioeconomic diversity and positive impacts of tourism. Panelists will discuss successes as well as challenges in South Africa and Malawi.
Moderator: Kanyi Gabiro, Agritourism Africa
Speakers: Manti Mafaidi, Owner, Naledi Farm, South Africa; Michael Daiber, General Manager, !Khwa ttu, South Africa; Fidelis Chasukwa, Owner, Mazizi Agritourism Farm, Malawi
Video Recording
Click here for an audio-only recording of this presentation.
Resources and Links
- Kanyi Gabiro
- Manti Mafaidi
- Michael Daiber
- Fidelis Chasukwa
Agritourism and Racial Justice in the U.S.
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Join us for this gathering focused on the role of agritourism within the racial justice movement in the United States. Panelists from both urban and rural perspectives will discuss the potential for farm-based education and sales of local products to serve as tools in the pursuit of racial equity and social justice in food systems.
Moderator: Lynn Ellen Schimoler, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Speakers: Karen Washington, Co-Founder of Black Farmer Fund, Owner of Rise and Root Farm; Martinique Lewis, Founder of the Black Travel Alliance
Video Recording
Click here for an audio-only recording of this presentation.
Resources and Links
- Lynn Ellen Schimoler
- Martinique Lewis
- Karen Washington
Farm-Based Education in Every City and Town: 4 Unique Stories
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Connecting with land through agriculture can be educational, joyful, healing, and empowering. From a Yellow Farmhouse in Connecticut to an apiary in Botswana, and a hillside campus in Vermont to an urban farm school in New York City, four panelists will offer stories from the field of farm-based education during this session. Discover how learning with and about farming catalyzes opportunities for business development, community building, and the creation of thriving local food systems.
Whether you're joining from a farm-based organization, a family farm, a hospitality business, or an education institution, this session will inspire you to offer authentic farm-based experiences in your communities, too.
Moderator: Vera Simon-Nobes, Farm-Based Education Network (Vermont, USA)
Speakers: Lusanda Magwape, Dream Factory Foundation (South Africa / Botswana); Jennifer Rothman, Yellow Farmhouse Education Center (Connecticut, USA ); Onika Abraham, Farm School NYC (New York, USA); Tony Van Winkle and Gwyneth Harris, Sterling College (Vermont, USA)
Video Recording
Click here for an audio-only recording of this presentation.
Resources and Links
- Vera Simon-Nobes
- Jennifer Rothman
- Lusanda Magwape
- Tony Van Winkle and Gwyneth Harris
- Connor Vaughn
Creating Virtual Farm and Food Experiences
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Whether it's farm tours, private tastings, or conferences, we are all figuring out new ways to connect digitally with customers and colleagues. During this period of limited travel, farm and food businesses around the world are experimenting with innovative online formats to share their agricultural experiences and products. Join us to learn about lambing tours in Scotland, cider tastings in Vermont, and the Terroir Symposium in Ontario. Presenters will share their challenges, successes, and lessons learned as they have transitioned to virtual events during the pandemic.
Moderator: Lisa Chase, University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Tourism Research Center
Speakers: Eleanor Leger, Eden Specialty Ciders, Vermont, USA; Caroline Millar, Balkello Farm and Go Rural, Dundee, Scotland
Video Recording
Click here for an audio-only recording of this presentation.
Resources and Links
- Eleanor Leger, Eden Specialty Ciders, Vermont, USA
- Caroline Millar, Balkello Farm and Go Rural, Dundee, Scotland
Indigenous & Tribal Perspectives on Agritourism
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Celebrating sovereignty and demonstrating the uniqueness of all tribes, this conversation seeks to broaden understanding of indigenous-led agritourism initiatives with a focus on the unity of human and ecological communities. Presentations will explore best practices for integrating agro-biodiversity conservation in tribal communities; how culture, tradition and history blends through the Three Sister Story; and how ancient connections apply to contemporary travel company design and marketing.
Moderator: Trevor C. Lane, Community & Economic Development Director and Associate Professor, Washington State University Extension (USA)
Speakers: Stephen Taranto, La Paz on Foot (Bolivia); Sherry L. Rupert, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (USA); Rony Lec, Founder, Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute (Guatemala)
Video Recording
Click here for an audio-only recording of this presentation.
Resources and Links
- Sherry L Rupert, AIANTA
- Stephen Taranto, La Paz on Foot
- Rony Lec, Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute
- Trevor C Lane, Washington State University of Extension
Regenerative Tourism & Agriculture
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Agritourism operations are in a unique and potentially impactful position to incorporate and showcase regenerative agricultural practices. This session will describe the principles of regenerative agriculture and discuss how they are shaping a future of regenerative tourism and hospitality. Learn about ventures pioneering the global regenerative movement and the important role that these operations play in educating society about the value of farming, food and (bio)diverse communities.
Moderator: Katharine Millonzi, Millonzi Consulting
Speakers: Anya Fernald, CEO & CoFounder, Belcampo; David Rust, CEO & Co-Founder, Sagra; Nicole Vaugeois, AVP Research, Vancouver Island University; Kimberly Farrell Barquero, Proprietor, Finca Luna Nueva Lodge (Costa Rica)
Video Recording
Click here for an audio-only recording of this presentation.
Resources and Links
- Nicole Vaugeois
- Finca Luna Nueva Lodge
- Anya Fernald
- David Rust
Welcoming Guests Back on our Farms and Ranches
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
As Covid-19 restrictions ease in some parts of the world, travelers who are eager to venture forth seek safe, healthy, outdoor experiences away from crowds — leading to a surge in demand for agritourism experiences which meet these criteria. Join agritourism operators from Italy, India, and the USA for a discussion about how to safely open farm stays and prepare for overnight guests during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hear what is working and what is not, and come prepared to share and question.
Moderator: Lisa Chase, University of Vermont Extension and Vermont Tourism Research Center
Speakers: Scottie Jones, Owner, Leaping Lamb Farm (Oregon) and Founder, Farm Stay USA; Elisabeth DeCoster, Proprietor, Le Mole sul Farfa (Italy); Harkirat Ahluwalia, Proprietor, Citrus County (Punjab, India)
Video Recording
Click here for an audio-only recording of this presentation.
Resources and Links
- Leaping Lamb Farm, Alsea, Oregon, U.S.
- Le Mole sul Farfa, Mompeo, Italy
- Citrus County Farm Stays, Punjab, India
