- Author: Chris M. Webb
UC’s Small Farm Program, with the help of a grant from Western Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Professional Development Program for California, will hold a daylong professional development workshop on November 4, 2011 in Stockton, California.
To date, California agritourism development has been primarily organized at the county and regional levels. Several states have organized statewide agritourism associations. The workshop “will help explore the relationships and benefits involved in both statewide agritourism programs and local/regional agritourism programs”.
The workshop is specifically designed for agritourism operators; agricultural, tourism and community development professionals; county staff and officials; and others involved in California agritourism.
For more information, please contact Penny Leff of UC’s Small Farm Program.
Those interested in visiting a farm or ranch may find a wide assortment of places to visit at the UC California Agritourisim Directory website.
Agricultural operators can list their agritourism offerings on the same site at no cost.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
A new 10 week session of the online course, Agritourism Development: Selling the Experience, Supporting the Farm, Building the Community, will be offered in early October through UC Davis Extension.
In partnership with the UC Small Farm Program, “the course examines the growing demand for agritourism and the expectations of agritourists and works with students to assess local opportunities, create a plan, develop and market an agritourism enterprise, and to collaborate with others in the community for success."
More information can be found at the UC Davis Extension website or by contacting the instructor, Penny Leff.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
UC ANR’s current issue of California Agriculture has a wide assortment of peer-reviewed research articles. The varied nature of this publication provides a glimpse into the wide array of relevant research conducted by UC scientists in an effort to improve the lives of Californians.
To view the entire publication click here. To read a specific article in the April – June 2011 edition, click on a link below.
- Unique engagement tools shape nitrogen assessment
- Scientists discover redwoods’ resiliency in Fritz’s Wonder Plot
- Agritourism operators embrace social media for marketing
- California agritourism operations and their economic potential are growing
- South Korea-U.S. free trade agreement will lower export barriers for California products
- Plants in constructed wetlands help to treat agricultural processing wastewater
- Rice field drainage affects nitrogen dynamics and management
- “Smart” sprayer technology provides environmental and economic benefits in California orchards
- Regulated deficit irrigation reduces water use of almonds without affecting yield
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Available through UC Davis Extension, Agritourism Development: Selling the Experience, Supporting the Farm, Building the Community, is designed encourage the growth of agritourism throughout our state.
Taught by Penney Leff, statewide agritourism coordinator for UC’s Small Farm Program, this course is certain to provide ideas for growth and practical steps to make it happen.
Topic highlights include:
- Learn to plan, establish, operate and market an agritourism operation in your own community or to help farmers and ranchers in your community develop and market new enterprises.
- Examine the growing demand for agritourism and the expectations of agritourists.
- Learn to assess the potential of farms and ranches, how to create plans, navigate regulations and liability issues, attract customers and build a sustainable business as part of a thriving agritourism community.
Additional information and registration instructions can be found here.
Photo by Ellie Rilla.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Agritourism can increase revenue on farms and ranches. Some examples of potential revenue streams are: farm stands, agriculture related gifts, on-farm activities, hospitality services, and value added food products.
UC ANR’s new publication Marketing Strategies for Agritourism Operations can help those interested in agritourism create or improve their marketing strategy. Main topics include:
- What is a marketing strategy
- Understand the market
- What makes you special
- Develop your message
- What is your marketing cost
- Launch a promotional campaign
- Sell smart
- Evaluate your marketing success
Those looking to visit a farm or ranch will find a great variety of on-farm experiences and farm-fresh products available throughout the state at UC’s Agritourism directory.
All California agritourism operators can participate in the directory at no cost. Sign up here today!