If the folks who attended this workshop with much larger and more serious concerns to address than those I am faced with came away with half the inspiration I did, the future of family farming in our part of the country has grown immeasurably brighter today.

Although the problems faced by family farms are not going to resolve themselves, or magically disappear, this gathering of people gave strong evidence that dedicated, intelligent people are addressing the issues from many directions, and on many levels.

In our area, tourism is a highly important factor in the economic health of many communities. With the major changes in the face of agriculture, particularly here in North Carolina, it is increasingly necessary for our family farms to find better ways to connect with the existing tourist industry. The blending of the farm with appealing marketing not only of the farm produce, but of the farm environment, and the farm experience, is an industry now known as agritourism.

Agritourism is a viable answer to keeping our farm families on their land, and giving the tourist a chance to experience a very basic part of the real world. In the comments and questions of the audience, as well as those of the speaker, it was readily apparent that many of today's visitors to our area are looking for a sense of connection. It was equally apparent that, tho the farmers and small land holders want to earn, or supplement, their livelihood from their land, they are willing, and even eager, to give a lot in return to their communities, and to the visitors in those communities.

We were given several worksheets, and the speaker, Mr. James A. Maetzold, conducted a lively and interesting guidance session on how these worksheets can, and will,
help us evaluate our land. Perhaps more excitingly, the work sheets can direct our vision of what we can achieve with our farm in entirely new directions. To balance the excitement of possibility, and keep it firmly rooted in probability, we also had a Farm and Ranch Livestock/Poultry Resource Worksheet to help reach sensible conclusions as to exactly what our resources will, or will not, support.

One benefit of agritourism that I found most appealing is that it moves farm families back to diversified farming. This a much more sustainable approach to living on the land. It creates a richer family environment, and is far healthier for every community that is fortunate enough to have these forward looking, dedicated, hard working people numbered among their citizens.

For the tourist that finds his way to such a farm, and such a community, the reward will be a relaxing, revitalizing experience that will be long remembered, and often repeated.

I am convinced that 10 is a magic number. In the Tips for Getting Started and Staying on Track number ten tip is this-----Start small, learn from your experience, and expand your business.

I would add a number 10 for the tourist as well. Start NOW, learn from your experience, and expand your interest in agritourism.

-Lillian Osborne