DISCUSSION AND debate surrounding the future of Scottish agritourism is to take place during a two-day event in Perth, which hopes to showcase the growth potential within the sector.

The conference being organised by sector body Scottish Agritourism, will take place at Perth Concert Hall between Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10, November.

It is open to all and hopes to attract a range of individuals from farmers to estate owners, professionals to suppliers, all with an interest in seeing agritourism grow in Scotland.

The conference will offer an opportunity to network and hear from inspiring speakers, after many months apart, and delegates are reassured that the venue will allow for plenty of space for those attending to feel safe. But there will also be an online option to those who cannot attend in person, as Scottish Rural Network will be live streaming the event across Scotland.

The first day of proceedings will feature a range of inspiring entrepreneurial farmers who have been involved in the Scottish Enterprise Agritourism Monitor Farm Programme, showcasing innovation, rural development and farm succession. Speakers will share knowledge about their business journey and demonstrate the wide variety of options there are for agritourism ventures.

The second day will welcome Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Islands, Mairi Gougeon, to launch Scotland’s Growth Strategy for the sector, which will involve a short Questions and Answers format. A working group of government and industry representatives from the public and private sector from Scotland and abroad have been involved in shaping the strategy in recent weeks. The strategy was part of the Scottish Government’s programme for Government and in the 100-day commitment.

Two key sessions will follow, with the first focusing on data and research in agritourism, including findings from the recent Visit Scotland Agritourism Growth Tracker. The final session will focus on demand for agritourism and the food and drink sustainability trends which match the agritourism offering.

Sector Lead for Scottish Agritourism, Caroline Millar, said: “The people in our network cannot wait for a chance to get together in person next month. Many business owners from across Scotland who came together for support during Covid have only ever met on zoom and now we get to meet in person. We are looking forward to hearing from inspiring speakers over the two days and having a chance to debate and discuss the future of agritourism in Scotland.

“Given that many farmers and crofters are looking at ways to develop new income streams while still farming as their core business, we expect many people who are considering agritourism to join, either in person or virtually,” she concluded.

Those who would like to find out more information and purchase tickets for the event should visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scottish-agritourism-conference-tickets-170252260093.

A limited number of discounted tickets are available for young farmers under 30 who are considering exploring agritourism on the family farm or croft at a price of £20 plus VAT for the two days.