BURLINGTON — University of Vermont Extension and the International Workshop on Agritourism will present an online agritourism series monthly, beginning in September, featuring experts from around the globe. The virtual series for farm, food and travel communities will address issues of interest to agricultural producers, farm stay operators and other agritourism industry professionals, although anyone is welcome to participate. Sessions are free to attend, but advance registration is required for each session.
Scheduled programs for fall include:
Welcoming Guests Back on Our Farms and Ranches During COVID-19. Tuesday, Sept. 22, noon-1 p.m. Farm stay owners from India, Italy and the United States will share what they are doing to prepare for overnight guests to offer them a safe experience during the pandemic.
Regenerative Tourism and Agriculture. Thursday, Oct. 8, 1-2 p.m. The session will focus on the global regenerative tourism movement and how regenerative agricultural practices have helped shape this movement. Speakers are from a Costa Rican sustainable rainforest ecolodge, a California meat company, a New York farm-based hospitality business and Vancouver Island University.
Indigenous and Tribal Perspectives on Agritourism. Thursday, Nov. 19, noon-1 p.m. Presenters from the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, La Paz on Foot (Bolivia), the Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute (Guatemala) and the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin will discuss indigenous-led agritourism initiatives, best practices for integrating agro-biodiversity conservation in tribal communities and how ancient culture and history can apply to contemporary travel company design and marketing. 
Future programs in the series are Experiential Education/Experience Economy (January), Social Justice in Agriculture and Tourism (February), Virtual Farm and Food Experiences (March), African Perspectives on Agri/Eco Tourism (also in March), Culinary Lens on Agritourism (April) and the Future of Nature-Based Tourism (May). 
For program details or to register visit go.uvm.edu/agtourism-gatherings. To request a disability-related accommodation to participate, contact Becky Bartlett at (802) 257-7967, ext. 301, or [email protected]