Extension Education
Linking Research and Practice: The Role of Extension on Agritourism Development in the United States
Claudia Schmidt(a), Lisa Chase(b), Carla Barbieri(c), Ellie Rilla(d), Doolarie Singh Knights(e), Dawn Thilmany(f), Stacy Tomas(g), Lori Dickes(h), Sarah Cornelisse(a), R. David Lamie(h), Rachael Callahan(d), Holly George(d), and Penny Leff(d)
Pennsylvania State University(a), University of Vermont(b), North Carolina State University(c), University of California(d), West Virginia
University(e), Colorado State University(f), Oklahoma State University(g), Clemson University(h)
JEL Codes: Q10, Q19
Keywords: Agritourism, Extension, Community Development
Publish Date: August 10, 2022
Volume 4, Issue 3
View Full Article (PDF) | Request Teaching Notes/Supplemental Materials
Abstract
Agritourism is a critical farm diversification strategy for farmers to enhance income and profit potential with benefits related to rural community development, increased awareness of sustainability practices, and local heritage preservation. For rural community and economic development professionals, agritourism has become an important strategy to develop local tourism, grow small businesses, and enhance regional economic diversification. We propose that the agritourism ecosystem would arguably benefit from more robust Extension programming and network development. A discussion of two state case studies, Vermont and California, provides an overview of the critical elements necessary to build a statewide agritourism program. The role of Extension in rural development and tourism underscores the opportunity to utilize agritourism as a broader development strategy. Finally, we make recommendations for growing the role of Extension in agritourism. More robust training and education for Extension professionals, stronger connections to state tourism departments, and more robust advocacy with university and state-level decision makers on the value of agritourism investments are all highlighted as crucial next steps.
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Linking Research and Practice: The Role of Extension on Agritourism Development in the United States
Claudia Schmidt, Lisa Chase, Carla Barbieri, Ellie Rilla, Doolarie Singh Knights, Dawn Thilmany, Sta
Extension Program Development for Early Career Faculty
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The Role of Mentoring in Increasing New Extension Faculty Success Rates
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