Destination Agritourism Workshop by UMES Extension

Learn how to start and maintain an agritourism operation directly from a successful business in Maryland during a daylong Destination Agritourism Workshop hosted by UMES Extension on Sept. 5, 2025.

The workshop will be held at Mary’s Land Farm in Ellicott City, Maryland, from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

This workshop will focus on how to start an agritourism operation, including a farm stay. Discussion topics include regenerative agriculture; cost, pricing and marketing strategies; food safety and handling; organizing and managing visitor activities; and human resources, liability, taxes, zoning, and permitting.

The operators of Mary's Land Farm will share their experiences of their successful agritourism business. Specifically, the participants will:

• Have the opportunity to visit an agritourism operation with a farm stay, petting zoo, and farm store to observe good agritourism practices.
• Interact and learn directly from the operator/manager to share various approaches, challenges faced, and lessons learned.
• Gain knowledge and skills.

Mary’s Land Farm offers a range of agritourism activities and operational models that can provide valuable insights to the participants. These include:

Regenerative agriculture: Participants can learn about farming practices that enhance the land while providing quality products.

Farm stay: The historic inn, with its beautifully renovated guest suites, demonstrates the operation of a farm-based accommodation business.

Direct sales: The farm store showcases how to market and sell farm products directly to consumers.

Events and festivals: The farm hosts numerous community events, offering a model for event planning, visitor management, and community engagement.

Variety: Mary’s Land Farm exemplifies a successful agritourism operation, combining farm stay, events, direct sales, and educational components.

WHAT TO KNOW:

Participants will meet at Mary's Land Farm in Ellicott City and have the option to stay overnight at the inn for an additional cost (please check availability and prices at https://innatmaryslandfarm.com/rooms/). Those who will stay at the inn need to make their own arrangements with Mary's Land Farm.

The cost of the workshop is $75 per participant and includes lunch and snacks (and does not include the overnight stay).

Preregistration is required for each participant by Aug. 29; the workshop is limited to 25 people.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:

To request special accommodations, contact [email protected].

CONTACT:

Ms. Donna Price at [email protected] or Dr. Prem Bhandari at [email protected].

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Host or Publisher UMES Extension