Small-scale farmers interested in expanding their agribusiness to include farm experiences can attend a destination agritourism workshop to Mary’s Land Farm in Ellicott City, Maryland. The full day visit is organized by UMES Extension and takes place Sept. 5.
“The owners will share their experiences starting and managing a successful agritourism operation. Mary’s Land Farm offers a wide range of agricultural activities and operational models that can provide valuable insights to workshop participants,” said Dr. Prem Bhandari, agritourism and value-added agricultural marketing specialist at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
The 160-acre mixed organic crop and livestock farm features a bed-and-breakfast, venues for rent, animal encounters and seasonal events. The operation sells organic produce, grass-fed meats and artisan oil and vinegar from an on-site farm store.
Topics covered during the visit, Bhandari said, include regenerative agriculture, marketing strategies, food safety, the logistics of managing visitors on a farm, and business aspects such as liability, taxes, zoning, permitting and human resources.
The workshop takes place from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The cost is $75 per person and includes lunch and snacks. Pre-registration is required at www.umes.edu/extension/events. The farm is in Howard County. For information on UMES’ Agritourism Program, email agritourism@umes.edu.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu, 410-621-3850.
Photos submitted.
