Agri-Tourism
and Nature Tourism Efforts in California:
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| Speaker: | Ellen
Rilla Holly George |
| As
co-chairs of our state agriculture and nature tourism workgroup, we’ll
update workshop participants of research and extension efforts in
California related to agriculture and nature tourism. Our workgroup,
in its fourth year, is comprised of people from University of California,
the tourism industry, practicing operators and allied government organizations.
We will share two projects that we have recently completed as a learning
experience for others interested in using the resources or doing something
similar in their states.
Agritourism and Nature Tourism in California: A How-To Manual for Farmers and Ranchers was released in March 2002. This new manual helps farmers and ranchers contemplate the feasibility of operating an agri-tourism or nature tourism business. It is designed as a workbook, is easy to read, and provides examples and activities that prompt readers to consider how agri-tourism or nature tourism may apply to their farming or ranching operations. The manual walks people through the steps of setting up such a venture. It includes county and region specific data and a chapter providing key resources. We
are also conducting a survey of county planners, county environmental
health specialists, and experienced California agri-tourism and
nature tourism operators. Individuals from selected counties were
asked about regulations affecting agri-tourism and nature tourism
in their county, the process for obtaining permits, and recommendations
for addressing requirements. Complete analyses may not be completed
by September, but general findings can be shared. |
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