UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Agritourism team is working with the University of Vermont and other extension services in the Northeast to deliver weekly, one-hour webinar programming for agritourism and on-farm markets. The series will cover several topics for farms open to visitors.
The next Zoom-based interactive discussion will be held on June 15 at 2:00 pm. Featuring Elisa Fleming from Verdant View Farm in Paradise, PA, the discussion will focus on how the pandemic has made it necessary for farms offering tours and overnight stay experiences to adapt their operations. “Our visitors arrived carrying the burden of the pandemic on their shoulders, and it was rewarding when we could see that burden lifted as they enjoyed the outdoors, spent time with the animals and farmers, and felt comfortable in a new setting” shared Elisa Fleming. Learn how Verdant View Farm has provided a welcoming and safe environment for farm tour and B&B visitors throughout the pandemic.
Webinars in the series are free, but registration is required. Register here and come prepared to share your experiences, concerns, and questions about farm tours and overnight stays.
Previous sessions covered the following issues:
- Getting Ready for Pick Your Own – Do’s and Don’ts for the Upcoming Season
- Agritourism Operation Checklists and Self-Assessment
- Crisis Management and Communications for Farms Open to Visitors
- Liability Insurance for Farms Open to Visitors
- Cultivating Farm and Food Safety for Visitors: Guided Tours of Two Farms
Recordings for these and future sessions are posted online here.
–Claudia Schmidt, Penn State University