Completed Project Report


Agritourism Intensive 2018: Managing the Risks of Agritourism for California Farm and Ranch Diversification

  • Award Amount: $49,780
  • Regional Center: Western Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2018 Education Projects

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Project Overview

This project delivered strategies for understanding, evaluating and managing the risks and opportunities of operating agritourism enterprises on small-scale farms and ranches by using a peer-reviewed agritourism training manual, incorporating learning from previous workshops and other states' Extension agritourism training programs, and partnering with local producer organizations and support professionals. We organized local planning teams involving experienced agritourism operators, tourism professionals and agricultural support organizations, tailoring each workshop series to the needs of regional small-scale producers. With the local planning teams as advisors, we offered a series of three workshops in two different California regions. At the first workshops, 70 producers increased their knowledge of potential enterprises, liability and market assessment, and assessed the risks, costs and benefits of current or planned agritourism businesses. At the second and third workshops, 50 participants began drafting business, marketing and risk management plans and connecting with a supportive network of peers and advisors. Six months after the last workshop, at least 10 participants have completed business plans, at least 21 have taken steps to implement action plans, emergency plans or marketing strategies, at least 10 have made changes to reduce legal risk, and at least 10 participants have ongoing networking relationships.

Number of Participants: 74

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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