Michigan State University Extension will host the 2024 Agritourism Summit in Traverse City May 7 and 8.
The event, which will take place between Hotel Indigo and the Hagerty Center, aims to create a resilient, sustainable and more viable agritourism industry for years to come.
There will be educational sessions and networking opportunities, including the sharing of information and best practices from a variety of sectors — farmers, municipal officials, agritourism businesses and other community leaders with an interest in rural entrepreneurship and economic development — while cultivating ongoing communication for the benefit of all.
Agriculture and tourism are major industries for Michigan, generating $105 billion and $3.1 billion respectively, and blending the two provides significant economic opportunities for farmers and the municipalities. Yet, occasionally there are confl icts between local residents, governmental entities and farm-based enterprises in agricultural district. Pre-Summit Farm Tour and Welcome Soirée will be held Tuesday, May 7, at Hotel Indigo from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 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.
The second day of the summit will focus on the economics of farming. Activities this day, scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Hagerty Center.
Topics for discussion include the state of agritourism in Michigan: State and regional trends; and the role of the Michigan Right to Farm Act and Farm Markets.
To register go to https:// w w w. c a n r . m s u . e d u / events/2024-agritourism-summit- and-pre-summit-farm-tour.
