Farmers and ranchers are invited to attend an agritourism planning course being offered by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources in three Northern California locations this winter. UC ANR Cooperative Extension is working with local agricultural and community organizations, tourism professionals, and experienced agritourism operators to offer the three-session Agritourism Intensive beginning in December in Quincy, Modesto and Redding.
Farmers and ranchers who are considering, starting or expanding agritourism or nature tourism businesses on their farms or ranches are invited to register for this low-cost, hands-on course.
“Agricultural operations offer a wealth of beautiful natural resources and unique experiences with local farmers and ranchers,” said Holly George, livestock and natural resource advisor and director for UC Cooperative Extension in Plumas and Sierra counties. “With prices, competition and water situations the way they are all over California, it can be hard to make a living. The UC ANR workshops will give farmers and ranchers the contacts and tools to more successfully grow and market their individual agritourism enterprises, adding to their income and helping spread the risk of tough production years.”
Participants will learn about the variety of potential businesses, including farm stands, U-Pick operations, farm stays, event hosting, tours, festivals, education and outdoor recreation. Each participant will receive a free copy of the UC ANR handbook, “Agritourism and Nature Tourism in California,” which will be used as the text for the class.
Experienced agritourism operators and experts will discuss business planning, risk management, regulatory compliance and marketing. Class instructors will provide individual guidance and help participants form a supportive network as they plan and develop their own agritourism or nature tourism businesses.
Plumas County Agritourism Intensive:
Register: http://ucanr.edu/agtourplumas
Dates: Tuesdays, Dec. 1, 2015, Jan. 12 and Feb. 23, 2016
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each session (lunch provided)
Location: Mineral Building, Plumas County Fairgrounds, Quincy, CA 95971
Cost: $50 for 3-session course (only $20 for additional participants from same family or business)
Shasta County Agritourism Intensive:
Register: http://ucanr.edu/agtourredding
Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 6, Feb. 10 and March 16, 2016
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each session (lunch provided)
Location: The McConnell Foundation Lema Ranch, 800 Shasta View Drive, Redding, CA 96003
Cost: $50 for 3-session course (only $25 for additional participants from same family or business)
Stanislaus County Agritourism Intensive:
Register: http://ucanr.edu/agtourmodesto
Dates: Thursdays, Dec. 10, 2015, Jan. 21 and Feb. 11, 201
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each session (lunch provided)
Location: Harvest Hall, Stanislaus Co. Ag. Center, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, CA 95358
Cost: $50 for 3-session course
For more information, contact Penny Leff, UC ANR Cooperative Extension agritourism coordinator, at paleff@ucdavis.edu or (530) 752-7779.
Funding for this project was provided by the Washington State University Western Center for Risk Management Education and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.