Source: NCSU COLLEGE OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES, 7/2/20


Vacation season is upon us. And, although it looks very different this year in the midst of a pandemic, one program is working hard to support coastal tourism in North Carolina while creating new revenue opportunities for local farmers.

The Vacationer Supported Agriculture program — led by North Carolina Cooperative Extension and NC State start-up People-First Tourism Inc. — connects beachgoers to fresh local produce before they even put a toe in the sand.

“A large number of visitors opt to book a self-catered vacation rental, such as a cabin in the mountains or a beach condo on the coast, due to a perception of better value and convenience,” says Duarte Morais, People-First Tourism founder and an associate professor in NC State’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. “As a result, many renters arrive at their destination with home-bought groceries in an attempt to optimize their precious few days of vacation.”

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