2024 Agritourism Summit and Pre-Summit Farm Tour
May 7, 2024 - May 8, 2024
Hagerty Center, 715 E Front St, Traverse City
Contact: Rob Sirrine , Jennifer Berkey
Register now for the inaugural Agritourism Summit and Farm Tour, featuring educational sessions and networking opportunities.
If you're a Michigan farmer, municipal official, agritourism business or other community leader with an interest in rural entrepreneurship and economic development, this groundbreaking event is for you.
Tourism contributed $3.1 billion to the state in 2022* and agriculture generates nearly $105 billion annually**, yet Michigan farmers are still struggling financially. These two industries both drive revenue and provide jobs for the state, but we must find the right balance between helping farmers thrive and bolstering local economic development, while preserving our rural and agricultural character.
Combining agriculture and tourism on a single farm property provides significant economic opportunity for both the farmer and the local municipality. This collaborative summit aims to plant seeds for future growth which can create a resilient, sustainable and more viable agritourism industry for generations to come.
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’s 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.
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
Complete summit agenda and pre-event information available on the registration page.
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