Idaho Workshop Explores Ways to Grow Agritourism, Farmers Markets
Exciting news from the University Of Idaho: Growing opportunities for agritourism and local food production with a focus on farmers markets will be the goal for the two-day workshop Marketing Idaho’s Harvest planned March 23-24 at the University of Idaho. The workshop offers an opportunity to network with regional growers, gain marketing skills and hear new ideas and regulatory updates, said Cinda Williams, University of Idaho Extension Latah County chair.
The conference will be held at the University of Idaho Student Union Building. Speakers will include farm owners, farmers market and food hub operators, and University of Idaho Extension and Idaho State Department of Agriculture representatives. The newly formed Idaho Farmers Market Association will play host to a silent auction during the conference. Participants are asked to bring an item to donate and a willingness to bid to support the effort.
The Friday, March 23rd program will feature speakers on ways to develop an agritourism plan, link with Idaho’s tourism industry, get insurance and minimize risk. Farm operators will talk about farm stay programs, developing farm loop tours and special opportunities including Sunday brunch, wine tastings and harvest events.
Saturday’s program will focus on food hubs and farmers markets. Additional speakers will provide regulatory updates and sessions about helping farmers markets prosper, including an update on the Idaho Farmers Market Association. Daily registration costs $20 per person until March 15 and $25 per person after.
To register or for more information contact Cinda Williams or Melissa Lines at Latah County Extension, PO Box 8068, Moscow, ID 83843,latah@uidaho.edu or (208) 883-2267. Moscow motels are offering special room rates for participants, who may contact them directly: Super 8 (208) 883-1503, La Quinta Inns & Suites (208) 882-5365 and the Best Western University Inn (800) 325-8765.
The workshop is co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension, Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Idaho Preferred, City of Moscow Farmers Market, Idaho Dept. of Commerce Tourism Division, Idaho Potato Commission and Rural Roots. Partial funding is provided by Western SARE Professional Development Program.
