A G R I T O U R I S M

Thinking about adding a new income stream to your farming operation?

Whether it’s a you-pick strawberry patch, a farmstay or educational tours, you’ll want to attend this workshop first.

Is there a Market? What are the Regulations? What are the Liability Concerns? Where To Start?

Renewing the Countryside and the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota are presenting two “getting started” workshops this winter. We will have presentations and information on tourism trends, licensing, ordinances, insurance and marketing.

Attendees will complete a self assessment, identify potential scenarios and begin to develop a business plan. As part of the project, Renewing the Countryside and other consultants will offer limited on-going technical assistance in developing feasibility, business and marketing plans. You will develop a plan you can implement to start your new enterprise.

January 18, 2011
Tau Center, Winona State University
Winona Minnesota
9:00am - 4:00pm

Agritourism Workshop Agenda

9:00- 9:15  Registration

9:15 - 9:45am        Introductions - What are RTC and SFA
                -Overview of Agritourism Development Course
                -Value Statement/Value Proposition
                -Brainstorming/Visioning

9:45-10:30am    Trends in Minnesota Tourism
                -Tourism Trends
                -Consumer Interest in Regional Travel
                -Slow Economy Effect – staycations

10:30-11:30am    Regulations Panel (Panelists TBD)
                -MN Dept. of Health (food and lodging licensing, inspections)
                -MN Dept. of Agriculture (food safety, licensing, certification, inspections)
                -County Planning and Zoning (CUP, zoning ordinances, variation between counties)
                -15min Q&A

11:30-12:15pm    Lunch - organic and local from the Bluff Country Co-op.

12:15-1:00pm        Liability Considerations
                -Coverage Options
                -Hazard Identification and Reduction
                -Status of Visitors
                -40min Presentation, 20min Q&A

1:00-2:00pm        Designing and Marketing the Customer Experience
                -Designing from the Customer Perspective
                -Choosing Amenities and Offerings
                -Options for Attracting Clientele

2:00-2:10pm        Break – 15 minutes

2:10-3:00pm        Finances, Resources and Capital Management

3:00-4:00pm    Scenario Building, Business Planning, Feasibility Analysis
                -Explanation of Next Steps

CONTACT INFO:

Brett Olson, Renewing the Countryside - 612.910.7601

Jonathan Beutler, Renewing the Countryside - 612.871.1541

www.renewingthecountryside.org

www.greenroutes.org

This project is made possible by a grant from North Central Risk Management Education Center