HILLSBORO, Ill. — Agri-tourism is a popular tourist activity and is described by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs as “a hybrid concept that merges elements of two complex industries—agriculture and travel/tourism—to open up new profitable markets for farm products and services and provide travel experiences for a large regional market.” A 2013 Virginia Tech study found that agri-tourism could be a viable option for farm managers to diversify, augment income, and become more profitable (Loeffler, 2015).
University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 will host a seminar about Agri-Tourism from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday, April 10 at both the Christian and Montgomery County Extension offices. April’s program will included representatives from Illinois South Tourism who will join the panel discussion.
Extension is hosting this free seminar series to help local specialty food business owners learn to market their products and achieve business success. Local specialty crop producer seminars will be held the second Monday of each month through May at both the Hillsboro and Christian County Extension offices. The public is invited to attend any or all of the seminars they choose.
The final seminar in the series will discuss the topic of social media from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday, May 8 at both the Christian and Montgomery County Extension offices. May’s topic will be presented by Terri Miller, Promotion and Publicity Specialist, University of Illinois Extension. She will address best practices for social media, current trends, and how to get the most from this valuable new medium in order to promote your product.
There is no cost to attend the seminars; however, advanced registration is required. Participants may register on-line at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cjmm/ or by calling either the Christian County Extension office in Taylorville at 217-287-7246 or the Montgomery County Extension office in Hillsboro at 217-532-3941.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact our office. Universidad de Illinois ofrece igualdad de oportunidades en programas y empleo. Si usted necesita un ajuste razonable para participar en este programa, por favor póngase en contacto con nuestra oficina.
Sources:
Loeffler, A. (2015, February 11). Agritourism can boost farmers’ revenue, Virginia Tech study finds . Retrieved from https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2015/02/021115-cals-agritourism.html
Wicks , B. E., & Merrett, C. D. (2003). Agritourism: An Economic Opportunity for Illinois. Rural Research Report, 14(9). Retrieved from http://www.pafarm.com/customer_safety_file/additional%20resources/agritourism_ec_%20opp_%20illinois.pdf
— University of Illinois Extension
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