Seven regional strategic planning sessions are scheduled around the state to educate potential providers about the benefits of agritourism and to glean valuable feedback from those currently involved in the industry. 

Date:                           Location:

November 5               Alamosa – Ramada (formerly Inn at the Rio Grande) – 333 Santa Fe Ave

November 6               Lamar – 4-H Building at the Prowers County Fair Grounds – 2206 Saddle Club Drive 

November 7               Pueblo – El Pueblo History Museum – 301 North Union Avenue

November 12             Ignacio – Sky Ute Casino – 14324 Hwy 172

November 13             Ouray – Ouray Community Center – 320 6^th Avenue

November 14             Rifle – Garfield County Public Library – 207 East Avenue

November 26             Ft Collins – Fort Collins Welcome Center – 3745 E Prospect Road, I-25 at Exit 268

November 28             Sterling – CSA Engagement Center – 304 Main St.

November 29             Denver – History Colorado Center – 1200 Broadway

Please note: each meeting is from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

There is tremendous growth opportunity for agritourism. The 2007 Census of Agriculture reported that 37,054 farms in Colorado, only 679 – fewer than two percent – reported agritourism income. This revenue was gained mostly from traditional hunting, outfitting and horseback rides to the increasingly popular farm dinners, cheese making classes, ranch stays and canning classes.

In a move to capture the potential, CTO contracted with Walden Mills Group (WMG) in Denver to craft a strategic plan. Judy Walden, WMG President, notes interest in food has exploded across the country. Her team includes Amy Webb who has been a leader for 18 years in the nationwide development in heritage tourism; Kelli Helpler who organized the model Delta County Agritourism Program, now in its seventh year; and Dan Hobbs, a founding member of the Arkansas Valley Organic Growers that delivers locally- grown foods direct to restaurants and schools in Colorado Springs and Pueblo.

To RSVP to a regional meeting, contact Laura Grey, Heritage & Agritourism Program Manager, Colorado Tourism Office at (303) 892-3885 or laura.grey@state.co.us. 

Media Contact: Judy Walden, (303) 525-6440.