Source:  NCDA&CS, 1/8/10

The Fourth Annual Agritourism Networking Association Winter Conference will be held Feb. 18 and 19 at the City Hotel and Bistro on Greenville Boulevard in Greenville. The conference is designed for agritourism entrepreneurs and others who may be interested in starting an agritourism venture.

“Agritourism covers a wide range of activities from bed and breakfast experiences to hayrides and corn mazes and wineries to fishing ponds,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “In a time of 'staycations,’ people are looking for unique experiences close to home, and farmers might be able to find a new business opportunity through agritourism.”

A reception will be held Feb. 18, and there will be seven workshops on Feb. 19. Keynote speaker Lynn Minges, assistant commerce secretary, will talk about “Marketing Rural Tourism in North Carolina.”

The workshop topics include “Planning for Success,” “Grassroots Gumption: Persuasion and Public Policy” and “Agritourism Farms -- What Flies and Flops.”

Early registration by Feb. 1 is $65 for ANA members and $75 for non-members. The registration fee increases to $85 after Feb.1.

For more information or a registration form, go to www.ncagr.gov/agritourism, or call Martha Glass at (919) 733-7887, ext. 276.