Agri-tourism meeting planned
An agri-tourism information meeting will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 13 at Lehigh City Building.
According to Marion County Economic Development Director Teresa Huffman, Flint Hills Resource Conservation and Development (RD&D) Council recently received a $20,975 grant from USDA Rural Development to implement the Agri-tourism Business Development and Support Project.
The purpose of the project is to provide educational and technical assistance to agriculture producers, landowners, and others interested in developing agri-tourism or nature-based businesses.
The RC&D Council has contracted with Jan Jantzen, owner of Kansas Flint Hills Adventures, to serve as Agri-tourism Business Development Facilitator.
Huffman and Jantzen have been working together to plan this countywide meeting with area residents, entrepreneurs, and business owners who are interested in learning more about agri-tourism in Marion County.
"One way family farms can remain viable and prosperous is through agri-tourism," Huffman said. She said she has been contacted by 12 rural families who are interested in this type of business.
One of the topics of discussion at the Dec. 13 meeting will be "packaging."
"As families are taking more vacations or day trips within a reasonable driving distance, we must look at providing the event, lodging, meals, and entertainment in one package," Huffman said. "Jan has a good deal of experience in selling packaged deals."
No reservation is needed to attend the meeting.
For more information, contact Huffman at (620) 382-8830 or (620) 381-3920.
