Agri-tourism is a growing form of tourism worldwide. In the past, agri-tourism may have been viewed as synonymous with ‘farm tourism’, but it is now recognised as much broader than that; Agri-tourism incorporates a diverse range of experiences that provide opportunities for tourists to connect with primary producers and the agricultural settings in which they live and work.
Agri-tourism can have many benefits for operators and visitors. For farmers and other primary producers, agri-tourism offers an opportunity to diversify and create supplementary income and share their way of life, products and stories with people from all over the world. At the same time, increasingly visitors are looking to escape urban environments to connect with the land and the people who work and live there, to hear stories, participate in activities, and learn about the origins of their food and fibre.
Join us to hear from an expert panel on how and why farmers and other primary producers are looking to develop sustainable agri-tourism businesses, and hear about strategies for success, and examples of innovative agri-tourism experiences of appeal to the domestic and international market.
Timings:
9.00am : Welcome & introduction from B.linc
9.10am : Keynote address 1 – Lincoln University – Jo Fountain
Discuss latest trends in agri-tourism globally, and outline some of the diverse and innovative ways that farmers and other primary producers are engaging with domestic and international tourists alike.
9.30am : Keynote address 2 – Selwyn District Council – Shay Robinson
Share why Selwyn District Council is on board to boost agri-tourism in Selwyn. Share any stats or feedback from both farmers and tourists. What plans do SDC have to further grow agritourism in Selwyn and how can others be a part of it? How can this provide further opportunities for our farmers?
9.50am : Keynote address 3 – Tim Loughnan, Tawanui Farmstay
Share your journey in developing your working farm to accommodate agri-tourists. What have you found to be the benefits and drawbacks of doing so? Has the experience been what you expected?
10.10am : Panel discussion/Interactive Q&A session with audience
10.30am : Speaking finishes, networking in breakout rooms
11.00am : Event finishes
Our speakers
Joanna Fountain, Lincoln University
Joanna Fountain is an Associate Professor in Lincoln University’s Department of Tourism, Sport and Society. She is a social scientist with diverse research interests focused on analyses of change and resilience in rural regions. Much of this research has agri-food products and tourism at its core, with agri-tourism viewed as a potential tool for optimising and enhancing rural resilience.
Shay Robinson, Selwyn District Council
Shay Robinson is an Advisor in the Community & Economic Development Team at Selwyn District Council. With a portfolio focussing on destination development and visitor attraction, Shay is tasked with stimulating economic activity to the Selwyn district.
Tim Loughnan, Tawanui Farmstay
The Loughnan family are the fifth generation to farm and live in the Blythe Valley. Tawanui Farm is situated towards the mouth of the Hurunui River and overlooks its beautiful waters
Mike and eldest son Tim share the responsibilities of running the 450ha sheep and beef farm along with its tourism ventures, Energy Jet and Tawanui Farm Glamping and farm tours.
The neighbouring Hurunui River has been a huge part of their lives, mainly on a recreational level. Showing people their part of the country is huge passion for the family. Combining the novelty of glamping with the thrill of jet boating and farm tours has given them a great platform for introducing their beautiful corner of the world to visitors - both Kiwi and international.
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