Benefits of Agritourism to be Outlined at Upcoming Workshops

The Colorado Agritourism Program will host two agritourism workshops in Western Colorado in an effort to promote growth in the state’s agritourism sector. The workshops focus on introducing the state’s agricultural producers to agritourism as an option for their operations.

In 2006, more than 13 million visitors experienced agritourism in Colorado, which resulted in an economic contribution of $2.2 billion to Colorado’s economy, according to Colorado State University research.

"Colorado State University hopes to raise the profile of agritourism in Colorado and work with producers and communities to consider how the industry can grow to complement the agriculture systems and economies in many regions," said Dawn Thilmany, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at Colorado State.

The workshops are scheduled for April 21 and April 22. The April 21 workshop will be at the Technical College in Delta from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The April 22 workshop will be at the San Juan Basin Technical College Industry Training Center in Mancos from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At the workshops, participants receive current market information and skill building and resource development activities, including market analysis, planning tools and networking opportunities.

The workshops are sponsored by Colorado State University Extension, the Colorado Department of Agriculture and partnering regional organizations.

Registration for the April 21 and April 22 workshops is $25 each. For more information, contact Wendy White, Colorado Department of Agriculture, at (303) 239-4119 or visit www.coloradoagriculture.com.

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