CREATING AN EFFECTIVE SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED FARM OPERATORS TO SUCCEED IN AGRITOURISM

The long-term goal of this proposed integrated research and extension project is to enhance the viability of small- and medium-sized farms through agritourism income diversification strategies, by providing guidance and research-based information to farmers and theorganizations that support and regulate agritourism operations, thereby contributing to the longterm viability and sustainability of US agriculture. The specific objectives of the proposed project are to:1. Understand the role and educational needs of county, regional and state-wide organizations in supporting agritourisma. Determine current role and intentionsb. Determine educational needs and preferred delivery mechanisms2. Understand factors that contribute to growth/stagnation in agritourism at the level of US counties. Specifically:a. Examine the role of publicly financed support, laws and regulations at the state level (definition, liability, insurance rates and coverage) to develop agritourism support indicators, which will be comparable across states.b. Examine the roles of agglomeration (density of businesses) and other factors in agritourism success ($ per farm) and growth in farm numbers.c. Examine the role of social and related networks in fostering successful agritourism clusters.3. Develop, pilot-test, and deliver outreach materials for farmers, county, regional and statewide organizations, policy makers, agricultural lenders and insurance companies and agents using the research-based insights generated in objectives 1 and 2.