Sep 6, 2017

Cornell conference focuses on agritourism

Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University are offering a hands-on workshop to prepare farms in New York, both beginning and experienced, to enter new markets using agritourism. 

The conference will take place at Becker Farms, 3724 Quaker Road, Gasport, New York 14067 on Sept. 20-21. On Sept. 20, speakers from around the state will provide tips on how to start an agritourism business, how to market an agritourism enterprise, and will share information from a variety of businesses covering: farm stays, wedding venues, farm-to-table restaurants, and you-pick operations. On Sept 21, conference attendees will have the choice of joining a bus tour to several agritoursim businesses in western New York to hear from the owners and learn about successes and challenges in starting an agri-business.

The cost to register is $60 for two full days. Farmer scholarships are available reducing the rate to $20 for two full days. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 20. The cost includes materials, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Sept 20 and the bus tour on Sept 21. Lunch on Sept 21 as well as hotel accommodations are on your own. Conference attendees are also responsible for their own hotel reservations. A block of rooms is reserved at Hampton by Hilton Lockport-Buffalo, refer to group code: CCE, to get the negotiated rate. Call (716) 625-6900 to reserve your hotel room.

To register for the Strategic Marketing Conference contact Megan Burley at [email protected] or 716-652-5400×138, or online at https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/Agritourism_214. The registration deadline is Sept. 17.

This conference is funded by the Stanley W. Warren Teaching Endowment and Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University.  It is sponsored by CoBank and Farm Credit East with additional support provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension.