Agritourism Intensive 2013 - 2014
Participants learned about the variety of potential businesses, including farm stands, U-Pick operations, event hosting, tours, festivals and outdoor recreation. Each participant received a free copy of “Agritourism and Nature Tourism in California." The handbook, published by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, was used as the text for the class. Attendees heard from experienced agritourism operators and experts in business planning, risk management, regulatory compliance and marketing. Class instructors provide individual guidance and help participants form a supportive network as they plan and develop their own agritourism or nature tourism businesses.
Ventura class agenda Ventura class flyer
Monterey class agenda Monterey class flyer
Riverside class agenda Riverside class flyer
For more Information: Penny Leff, UCCE Agritourism Coordinator, paleff@ucdavis.edu, 530-752-7779
Funding for this project was provided by the Washington State University Western Center for Risk Management Education, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
First Class Session:
Handouts: These were printed and passed out to class participants.
- A list of suggested online reading materials
- Tourism Development Outline from rancher Bill Burrows
- Farm Stay Agritourism 101 from Farm Stay U.S.
- How to start a Pick-Your-Own Operation From www.pickyourown.org
- Sample budget for on-farm festival courtesy of Cindy Lashbrook, Riverdance Farms
- Developing a Hunting Program on a Ranch or Farm by rancher Bill Burrows
- Evaluating the Financial Potential of an Entertainment Farming/Farm Tourism Business from the University of Georgia
- Assessing Your Resources worksheet (Homework assignment #1)
- Follow-Up Recommendations "Asking the Right Questions and Getting the Right Answers" by Sophia Pagoulatos, Supervising Planner, city of Fresno
- UC Small Farm Program Statewide Agritourism Program
- Agritourism Health and Safety Guidelines for Children a guide by the National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety
- Agritourism Policies and Procedures Checklist Guide a supplement from the National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety
- Agritourism Worksite Walkthrough Checklist Guide a supplement from the National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety
- Farm Based Education Program Planning, from Jessica Ridgeway, Live Earth Farm Discovery Program
First class Presentations:
- Evaluating your resources; Is tourism right for you?
by Penny Leff, UC ANR Small Farm Program - Risk Management Introduction, by Ramiro Lobo, UCCE advisor in San Diego County
- Legal Issues with Agritourism (CA), by Rusty Rumley, National Agricultural Law Center
- The Live Earth Farm Discovery Program, by Jessica Ridgeway, Live Earth Farm, Watsonville, CA
- Pictures from Art on the Farm, San Marcos Date Farm, Indio, CA - A festival organized by farm owner Marco Juarez
- Riverside County agritourism history and UC Cooperative Extension, by Etaferahu Takele, UC Cooperative Extension Riverside County
- Ventura County Environmental Health Division Presentation, by William Stratton, Director, Environmental Health Division
- Ventura County Project permitting flow chart, from Bill Bartel, Economic Development collaborative Ventura County Small Business Development Center
- Monterey County Environmental Health Bureau Presentation, by Ric Encarnacion, County of Monterey
- Riverside County Planning Department Agritourism Presentation, by Wendell Bugtai, Riverside County
- Riverside County Environmental Health Department Presentation, by Keith Jones and Sandi Salas, Riverside County
Handouts and Presentations, Second Class:
- 10 Key Elements to include in Your Business Plan, by Andrea Nield, CSUMB SBDC
- 1-Page Business Plan Outline, by Andrea Nield, CSUMB SBDC
- Developing Mission and Vision Statements for Your Business, by Andrea Nield, CSUMB SBDC
- SMART Goal Worksheet, by Andrea Nield, CSUMB SBDC
- Presentation: Agritourism Business Planning and Management, by Andrea Nield, CSUMB SBDC
- Presentation: Agritourism Business Planning Overview, by Vincent McCoy, Inland Empire SBDC
- Presentation: Agritourism Budgeting, by Vincent McCoy, Inland Empire SBDC
- Presentation: Visioning and Your Business, by Kat Merrick, Totally Local Ventura County
- Presentation: Connecting to the Guest, by John Avella, CSU Monterey Bay
- Presentation: Agricultural Tourism: Who, What, Where and When, by Bill Bartels, Ventura County SBDC
- Sales projection and operating budget worksheet - budgeting homework exercise (Excel worksheet)
Handouts and Presentations, Third Class:
- Excel Workbook for budgeting exercise: Retail with Inventory, from Andrea Nield, CSUMB SBDC
- Presentation: Developing the Experience, by Lauren Gagliano, Suzie's Farm
- Presentation: Conducting a Market Analysis, by Jay Ruskey, Good Land Organics
- Presentation: Website Design Best Practices, by Nick Pasculli, TMD
- Presentation: Effective Websites and Social Media, by Ashley Harrison, DVT Marketing
- Presentation: Connecting with the Tourism Community; Discover IE, from Discover Inland Empire
- Presentation: Understanding Marketing and Branding, by Kat Merrick, Totally Local Ventura County
- Presentation: Community Agritourism Associations, Devon Riley, Oak Glen Apple Growers' Association
- Handout: Online Branding Worksheet, by Jennifer Fontaine, www.mommyhiker.com
- Handout: Tips for Social Media, by Jennifer Fontaine, MommyHiker.com
- Handout: Website Structures, by Jennifer Fontaine, MommyHiker.com
- Handout: World's Simplest Marketing Plan, from Sylecia Johnston, Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau