The International Workshop on Agritourism presents Agritourism Gatherings: A virtual series for farm, food, and travel communities.
The series will bring together farmers, researchers, service providers, tourism experts and many others to share their knowledge and experience from around the world.
A total of ten virtual gatherings will be offered between September 2020 and May 2021 and will be updated here. The gatherings are free to attend, but advance registration is required. Click on a presentation title below to read the description and to sign up to participate.
All presentations will be held live; recordings will be added to this site after they are held.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Click here to learn how you can support the International Workshop on Agritourism and their virtual Agritourism Gatherings.
The series will bring together farmers, researchers, service providers, tourism experts and many others to share their knowledge and experience from around the world.
A total of ten virtual gatherings will be offered between September 2020 and May 2021 and will be updated here. The gatherings are free to attend, but advance registration is required. Click on a presentation title below to read the description and to sign up to participate.
All presentations will be held live; recordings will be added to this site after they are held.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Click here to learn how you can support the International Workshop on Agritourism and their virtual Agritourism Gatherings.
sign up for an Upcoming presentation
AGRITOURISM AND RACIAL JUSTICE IN THE US | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021
9am Pacific time; 12pm Eastern time; 6pm Central European time, 10:30pm Indian time
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; Eduardo Rivera, Farmer and Owner of Sin Fronteras Farm and Food
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; Eduardo Rivera, Farmer and Owner of Sin Fronteras Farm and Food
Exploring the Diversity and Impact of Agritourism in Southern Africa | Tuesday, March 16, 2021
9am Pacific daylight saving time; 12pm Eastern daylight saving time; 5pm Central European time; 6pm South Africa time; 9:30pm Indian time
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
Panelists: Manti Maifudi, Owner, Naledi Farm, South Africa; Michael Daiber, General Manager, !Khwa ttu, South Africa; Fidelis Chasukwa, Owner, Mazizi Agritourism Farm, Malawi
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
Panelists: Manti Maifudi, Owner, Naledi Farm, South Africa; Michael Daiber, General Manager, !Khwa ttu, South Africa; Fidelis Chasukwa, Owner, Mazizi Agritourism Farm, Malawi
To request a disability-related accommodation to participate in any program, please contact Becky Bartlett at 802-257-7967 or Rebecca.Bartlett@uvm.edu so we may assist you.
learn about past presentations and view recordings
WELCOMING GUESTS BACK ON OUR FARMS AND RANCHES | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020
This live presentation was held on September 22. Access the recording and resources via the links below.
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)
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)
Session Recording:
Resources and Links:
Resources and Links:
- Leaping Lamb Farm, Alsea, Oregon, U.S.
- Le Mole sul Farfa, Mompeo, Italy
- Citrus County Farm Stays, Punjab, India
Regenerative Tourism & Agriculture | Thursday, October 8, 2020
This live presentation was held on October 8. Access the recording and resources via the links below.
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)
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)
Session Recording:
Resources and Links:
Resources and Links:
- Nicole Vaugeois
- Finca Luna Nueva Lodge
- Anya Fernald
- David Rust
Indigenous & Tribal Perspectives on Agritourism | Thursday, November 19, 2020
This live presentation was held on November 19. Access the recording and resources via the links below.
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)
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)
Session Recording:
Resources and Links:
Resources and Links:
- Sherry L Rupert, AIANTA
- Contact: info@aianta.org
- Presentation slides
- Tribal Agritourism Resources for producers https://www.aianta.org/agritourism
- Tribal travel website www.nativeamerica.travel
- Stephen Taranto, La Paz on Foot
- Contact: stephen@lapazonfoot.com
- Presentation slides
- La Paz on Foot website https://www.lapazonfoot.com
- La Paz on Foot Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/lapazonfoot
- Rony Lec, Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute
- Contact: imapermacultura@gmail.com
- Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute http://imapermaculture.org
- Trevor C Lane, Washington State University of Extension
- Contact: trevor.lane@wsu.edu
- Washington State University Extension https://ced.cw.wsu.edu/about
Creating Virtual Farm and Food Experiences | Wednesday, december 9, 2020
This live presentation was held on December 9. Access the recording and resources via the links below.
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
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
Session Recording:
Resources and Links:
Resources and Links:
- Eleanor Leger, Eden Specialty Ciders, Vermont, USA
- Caroline Millar, Balkello Farm and Go Rural, Dundee, Scotland
FARM-BASED EDUCATION IN EVERY CITY AND TOWN: 4 UNIQUE STORIES | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021
This live presentation was held on January 13. Access the recording and resources via the links below.
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)
Session Recording:
Resources and Links:
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)
Session Recording:
Resources and Links:
- Vera Simon-Nobes
- Jennifer Rothman
- Lusanda Magwape
- Tony Van Winkle and Gwyneth Harris
- Connor Vaughn
Yonder, a new nature tourism platform, invites travelers to connect with the natural world and the people who steward it. Through the Yonder site and app, guests can discover and book overnight stays and activities at farms, ranches, vineyards, and other nature immersive escapes.
UVM Extension helps individuals and communities put research-based knowledge to work. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, Burlington, Vermont. University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.
