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Michigan State University Extension Announces 2024 Agritourism Summit

Dianna Stampfler , , , , , , , ,

Registration Open Now – Early Bird Rates Available Through April 15

Michigan State University Extension has unveiled the details of its 2024 Agritourism Summit. The Agritourism Summit will be held at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City on Wednesday, May 8 from 9:30am-4:30pm. Preceding the event on Tuesday, May 7 will be the Pre-Summit Farm Tour and Welcome Soirée, located on-site at multiple Agritourism establishments across Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties, from 9:00am-7:00pm.

The purpose of the two-day event is to educate Michigan farmers, municipal officials, agritourism businesses and others with an interest in rural entrepreneurship and economic development of the benefits, best practices and to gain an overall understanding of Agritourism in Michigan. Networking will also be encouraged as the purpose is to cultivate a community that encourages economic growth through the preservation of local agriculture.

Pre-Summit Farm Tour and Welcome Soirée: Tuesday, May 7th
Leaving from Hotel Indigo (Traverse City) at 9:00am and returning at 7:00pm

The pre-summit farm tour includes visits to multiple agritourism operations in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties including Jacobs Farm; Leelanau Cheese (awarded Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards in Spain for their Raclette); 9 Bean Rows Farmstead, Café, Bakery, and CSA; Tandem Ciders’ production facility; and ends at Farm Club for the Welcome Soirée. The tour includes round-trip coach transportation, lunch at 9 Bean Rows, and on-site food and beverage samples. The Farm Club Welcome Soirée features two complimentary drink tickets, appetizers, and networking. Space is limited to 50 individuals due to bus capacity.

Agritourism Summit: Wednesday, May 8th
9:30am-4:30pm at Hagerty Center, 715 E Front St, Traverse City

The Agritourism Summit Agenda includes:

Why Agritourism? Stories from Across the Region

  • Economics of Farming: A Changing Agricultural Landscape
  • The state of agritourism in Michigan: State and Regional Trends
  • The role of Michigan Right to Farm Act and Farm Market GAAMPS in Agritourism
  • Keynote: Collaboration and Connectivity in Agritourism
  • Municipal Examples: Planning and Zoning for Agritourism’s Elusive Form and Function
  • Navigating the Regulatory Corn Maze: Peer-to-Peer Learning and Engagement
  • Agritourism: What is Needed for Success, Removing Barriers, and Navigating the Maze
  • Resources to Support Growers

Key speakers at the Agritourism Summit include:

  • Kathy Angerer — Chief of Staff, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
  • Suzi Spahr — Executive Director, North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association
  • Ryan Coffey Hoag – MSU Extension and Chair of Farm Market GAAMP Committee
  • Trevor Tkach — President & CEO, Traverse City Tourism
  • Allan Robinette – Robinette’s Orchard & Winery, Chairman of Direct Marketing and Agritourism Committee at Michigan Farm Bureau
  • Leaders from 9 Bean Rows, Light of Day Organics, Coveyou Farms, Leelanau Cheese, King Orchards and Trattoria Stella
  • Many more municipal employees, small business owners and agricultural educators

Full Agenda & speakers: https://miagritourism.com/ or https://events.anr.msu.edu/AgritourismSummitMay2024/

Attendance Costs:

All Inclusive – 2 Days (May 7-8)

  • Pre-Summit Farm Tour, Farm Club Welcome Soirée and Agritourism Summit
    $195 early bird (After April 15 – $250)

A la Carte

  • Agritourism Summit (May 8)
    $75 early bird (After April 15 – $100)
  • Pre-Summit Farm Tour & Farm Club Welcome Soirée (May 7)
    $125 early bird (After April 15 – $150) *Space is limited to 50 individuals due to bus capacity.
  • Agritourism Summit + Farm Club Welcome Soirée (May 7-8)
    $135 early bird (After April 15 – $175)

REGISTER HERE: https://miagritourism.com/ or https://events.anr.msu.edu/AgritourismSummitMay2024/

Businesses and organizations interested in partnerships and/or sponsorships can email berkeyj@msu.edu or visit the Summit’s sponsorship page. Current partners and sponsors include:

  • Michigan State University Extension
  • Michigan Farm Bureau
  • Promote Michigan
  • Chateau Chantal
  • Brys Estate
  • Black Star Farms
  • Traverse City Tourism
  • Morgan Composting Inc — Dairy Doo
  • Northwestern Michigan College
  • 9&10 News

Agritourism encompasses entertainment and leisure experiences that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, strong family values and quality of life. Agritourism also focuses on finding the best route to encourage rural and regional economic development while preserving the landscape of each location. Agritourism cultivates strong local communities by connecting the tradition and heritage of area’s inhabitants with the best options for economic growth.