FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2008

N.C. Agritourism Networking Association hosting workshop March 13 at Southeastern Agricultural Center in Lumberton

LUMBERTON – Anyone interested in starting an agritourism business or who wants to learn more about the state’s growing agritourism industry is welcome to attend an Agritourism Networking Association workshop on Thursday, March 13, at the Southeastern Agricultural Center in Lumberton.

The workshop will cover such topics as defining agritourism opportunities for a farm, hospitality hints and marketing tips, liability issues, agritourism success stories and information on Voluntary Agricultural Districts. The program also offers farmers and others a chance to network and learn from one another.

The workshop will run from 3:30 -7:30 p.m. Cost is $12 and includes dinner and notebooks. For more information, contact Martha Glass, manager of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agritourism Office, at (919) 733-7887 or by e-mail at martha.glass@ncmail.net.

The registration deadline is March 11, but walk-ins will be accommodated as space and dinner arrangements allow. To register, call Geraldine Herring at (910) 739-5906 or e-mail at geraldineherring@hotmail.net. Registration forms are also available online at www.ncagr.com/agritourism.

Agritourism refers to value-added agricultural activities on a farm, ranch or vineyard that provide entertaining and recreational experiences. For example, some farms offer hayrides, barnyard animal exhibits, pond fishing, pick-your-own opportunities, summer camps, vineyards, special events and unique meeting spaces for business retreats.           

The Southeastern Agricultural Center is located on U.S. 74 East, about one mile off Exit 14 from Interstate 95.

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