Agritourism: Resources for Covid-19 Recovery and Farm Viability
Hybrid Event, 03/06/2021

What is agritourism and why is it so important now?
As we move beyond the Covid-19 pandemic, agricultural producers need additional sources of revenue and families are seeking healthy, outdoor experiences and fresh, locally-produced food. Agritourism – working farms, ranches, and vineyards open to visitors – provides safe recreational and educational opportunities for local residents and tourists. These enterprises at the farm-community-tourism nexus allow communities and tourists to be a part of preserving the working landscape, creating jobs, maintaining farming traditions, sustaining cultural identities and contributing to food security.
Join this webinar, organized by the University of Vermont and FAO North America with support from the Office of U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, to learn about Agritourism’s contributions to food security and sovereignty, farm viability, rural economic development, and agricultural literacy.
Introduction
Andrew Bahrenburg, Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont
Panelists
Dr. Carrie Castille, Director of USDA NIFA
Rusty Rumley, Senior Staff Attorney at the National Agricultural Law Center in Arkansas
Gail E. Chehak, Tribal Relations & Outreach Manager, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA)
Dr. Lisa Chase, Natural Resources Specialist at University of Vermont Extension and Director of the Vermont Tourism Research Center
Moderator
Thomas Pesek, Senior Liaison Officer of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Join the conversation on Twitter during the event using #Agritourism.