Completed Project Report


Developing Risk Management Strategies for New and Existing Agritourism Businesses in the Western Catskills Region

  • Award Amount: $24,732
  • Regional Center: Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2018 Education Projects
  • Project Director: Mariane Kiraly
  • Email: mk129@cornell.edu
  • Organization: Cornell University

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Project Overview

This project taught all five areas of risk management education to 75 farmers and entrepreneurs that are planning or already engaged in an agri-tourism venture.  Five seminars focused on each risk management category and were followed by a farmer panel with existing agri-tourism businesses in the region that have been successful mitigating risk.  The seminars were half-day, 4-hour programs.  Participants  worked on their risk management plans in-between seminars using the material presented.  Instructors were experts in each of the five risk management categories and came from Extension and other fields.  By utilizing ZOOM, distance learners in adjoining counties connected with the host county, Delaware County Extension, which made access to the program easier, and offered a low-cost way to attend.  Other participants from Maine to Maryland also attended via Zoom. At total of 75 attendees participated in either the first or second session. The target audience was new and existing agritourism businesses in the 5-county region that is considered the Western Catskills.  The panel reinforced learned material, making it "real" by connecting to existing businesses.  A risk management plan was completed by the end of the program by most participants.

Number of Participants: 75

Outcomes

Project Steps

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

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EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

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REPORTS & EVALUATIONS

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DELIVERY AREA

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