Save the Date: Tuesday Sept 26, 2017 – Central Florida Agritourism Conference

Did you know the number of Florida agritourism farms has more than doubled in the last few years?  Join the UF/IFAS Extension Polk county Small Farms Program and UF/IFAS Agricultural Awareness Initiative Team to learn more about offering recreational activities on your farm to expand your revenue while increasing public awareness about agriculture.

The UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Small Farms program, in partnership with the UF/IFAS Agricultural Awareness Initiative Team, will offer a two day conference for agritourism operators and those considering opening their farms to the public for recreational activities. The program will be held Tuesday, September 26 at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County office in Bartow and will feature farm tours launching from True Blue Winery in Davenport on Wednesday, September 27. 

Recent changes in law affecting agritourism and new research on consumer preferences for agritourism in Florida will be presented.  Panel discussions will address audience questions on services available to support incorporating agritourism into farm operations and current agritourism operators will discuss the joys and struggles of their experiences. Breakout sessions discussing cooperative strategies to support industry development will also be featured. 

Final details of the program, including an out of state speaker, are still developing. Registration will be available through the calendar page of the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Small Farms Program.  This program is offered by University of Florida IFAS Extension Polk County, an equal opportunity institution, and is supported by an FDACS Specialty Crop Block Grant, Polk County Farm Bureau and the Central Florida Development Council.   

Class Details

When: Tuesday, September 26 and Wednesday September 27, 2017  

Where: UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, 1702 Hwy 17 S., Bartow, FL 33830 and tours launching from True Blue Winery, Davenport

See details as they develop: On the calendar page 

Contact: Mary Beth Henry at 863-519-1049 or mbhenry@ufl.edu.