FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2008

N.C. Agritourism Networking Association
hosting series of statewide workshops

RALEIGH – Anyone interested in starting an agritourism farm business or who wants to learn more about the state’s growing agritourism industry is welcome to attend any of the five upcoming workshops across the state. Following are workshop dates, locations and contact information:

• April 3, Sen. Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center, Williamston. Registration deadline is April 1. Contact Peggy Edmondson at (252) 795-3192 in the evening, or e-mail at peggyedmondson@earthlink.net.
• April 8, Orange County Cooperative Extension Office, Hillsborough. Registration deadline is April 4. Call Paul Marshall at (336) 727-5284 or e-mail at riverbirchvineyards@triad.rr.com.
• April 17, Iredell County Cooperative Extension Office, Statesville. Registration deadline is April 15. Call Wendy Wilson at (704) 819-7545 or e-mail at lazy5ranch@aol.com.
• April 24, Tarkil Branch Farm’s Homestead Museum, Beulaville. Registration deadline is April 22. Call Tami Thompson at (919) 934-1132 or e-mail at dtdjthompson@sprintmail.com.
• May 1, Pleasant Valley Farm, Old Fort. Registration deadline is April 29. Call Marilyn Cade at (828) 675-4856 or e-mail at marilyn@mountainfarm.com.

Workshops run from 4 -7:30 p.m.

The program for each workshop will cover such topics as defining agritourism opportunities for a farm, hospitality hints and marketing tips, liability issues, agritourism success stories and information on how to form voluntary agricultural districts in your county. The program also offers farmers and others a chance to network and learn from one another.

Cost is $12 and includes workshop materials and dinner. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space and dinner arrangements allow.

For more information, contact Martha Glass, manager of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agritourism Office, at (919) 733-7887 or martha.glass@ncagr.gov. Agendas and registration forms are available at www.ncagr.com/agritourism.

Agritourism refers to value-added agricultural activities on a farm, ranch or vineyard that provide entertaining, educational and recreational experiences. For example, some farms offer hayrides, barnyard animal exhibits, pond fishing, pick-your-own opportunities, summer camps, vineyards, special events and unique meeting spaces for business retreats.           

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