Fields to Futures: Exploring Agritourism Opportunities

Description

We are excited to be partnering with Abby Bryant, a senior at Louisa County High School and a member of the Blue Ridge Virginia Governor’s School, on her Senior Capstone Project focusing on agritourism and its impact on our local farms and businesses.

As part of her project, Abby is organizing an Agritourism Workshop on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This event will bring together local farmers, business owners, and community members to explore the opportunities agritourism can provide. The workshop will also feature booths and vendors promoting local enterprises, creating a vibrant environment of learning and networking.

This initiative is a partnership between the Blue Ridge Governor’s School, Louisa Forward Foundation, the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce, and Virginia Cooperative Extension. Together, we are committed to making this workshop a meaningful and impactful experience for our community.

Sponsorship is available.  Please contact Abigail Bryant abigail.bryant@brvgs.k12.va.us or Tracy Clark  executivedirector@louisachamber.org. By sponsoring this event, you’re not only helping Abby achieve her capstone project goals but also empowering local farmers and businesses with the tools and connections they need to thrive in this growing sector.

For $300, your sponsorship includes:

• A vendor booth to engage with attendees directly.
• Your logo featured on event materials to showcase your support.

Tentative Agenda 

10 – 10:15 am Welcome

10:15 am – 10:45 am 30 min. Agritourism in VA: Heather Wheeler, VDACS

10:45 am – 11:30 pm 45 min: Connecting with the Planning, Zoning and Economic,:Tom Egland, County of Louisa

11:30 pm – 12 pm: Restrooms, box lunch, resource fair

12 pm – 12:45 pm: 45 min: Insurance, liability, and safety: Glynn Goodrich, VA Farm Bureau

12:45 pm – 1:15 pm: 30 min: Networking with Agritourism Community

1:15 pm – 1:30 pm Visit Louisa and Fermentation Farm Trail:  Cindy King, County of Louisa and Tracy Clark, Louisa Co. Chamber

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm: 45 min: Brags & Blunders: Agritourism Entrepreneurs

2:30 pm – 3 pm Wrap-up