Agritourism conference to be held Feb. 17 & 18

The Fifth Annual Agritourism Networking Association Winter Conference will be held Feb. 17 and 18 at the Little River Golf and Resort near Carthage. The conference is designed for agritourism entrepreneurs and others who may be interested in starting an agritourism venture and those who support rural tourism in North Carolina.

"Agritourism opportunities continue to grow in North Carolina, to the benefit of farm families, local communities and North Carolina's economy," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "When it comes to starting an agritourism venture, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, so events such as this conference give folks an opportunity to learn more about the many different types of agritourism adventures in the state."

Optional mid-afternoon farm tours will be held Feb. 17, with a reception to follow. Seven workshops will be held Feb. 18, focusing on marketing the local food movement, successfully marketing your niche farm products, success with media along with information sessions on community supported agriculture ventures and successful agritourism farm shops and stores. "This conference allows participants plenty of time to network and to ask questions of presenters and other agritourism operators," said Martha Glass, agritourism manager at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Early registration by Feb. 3 is $70 for ANA members, $85 for non-members and $60 for cooperative extension staff. The registration fee increases to $100 after Feb.3.

For more information or a registration form, go to www.ncagr.gov/agritourism, or call Martha Glass at (919) 707-3120.