The Agri-Tourist, My Journey Back to Agriculture

Send us a textCraft Beer and Cider….both wins for the agritourism industry.  And it’s actually less about the alcohol and more about the sense of community and connection that it brings. Dr. Alison Feeney is a Professor in the Geography and Earth Science Department at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. She blends work with pleasure as she travels around her state of Pennsylvania and beyond to research craft breweries, apple cider mills, and other spirit destinations.  Allison has been asked to research so many interesting topics around craft beer trails and the growth of experiential tourism.  These types of tourism experiences have different names  - we hear terms like gastronomic tourism, food tourism, agritourism, wine tourism, and beer tourism. We find ourselves traveling to farms, vineyards, breweries, cider mills, trade shows, and farmers markets to savor the foods and beverages, and immerse  in local traditions, cultures, and communities. During this podcast, Dr. Alison Feeney and I explore many of her craft beer and cider research projects and their findings.  She has recommended destinations that are definitely worth a visit and craft beer favorites that you need to experience. Enjoy my intriguing conversation with Professor Alison Feeney while she takes us on a craft beer and cider journey. For the Love of Beer: Pennsylvania's Breweries by Dr. Alison Feeney|"Marketing agritourism for the American cider culture” in Journal of Tourism Insights: Vol. 10: Iss. 1, Article 6.Beer-trail Maps and the Growth of Experiential TourismAlison E. Feeney’s research while affiliated with Shippensburg University and other placesInventory & Analysis of Short Term Rentals in Pennsylvania (Executive Summary)Dr. Alison Feeney - - CVGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

3/10/25 • 59:01

Send us a textHave you ever heard of the New River Gorge or the Gauley River?  Well, if you’ve ever been into the white water rafting scene, you have heard one of these West Virginia rivers and probably rafted it!  The New River Gorge is amazing in the spring, but there is nothing that compares to the fall dam releases of the Gauley River, entering into class 5 rapids right from the very start of your rafting adventure!  Speaking of a natural high….So when I saw an agritourism farm and campground that was located on the Gauley River pop up on my instagram I had to reach out!  It brought back so many of my white water rafting adventure memories!Susan Tawney and her husband James own Tawney Farm, a small-scale wool sheep farm in the Mountain Lakes region of central West Virginia. Their sheep farm property offers a unique alternative to the overcrowded commercial campgrounds. Adjacent to the beautiful Gauley River National Recreation Area and just a short drive to the New River Gorge National Park, their 129 acre farm lies nestled in between two beautiful mountains--one of them named Panther Mountain--in the Gauley River gorge.  You can even learn how to felt wool while staying there! In addition to all the river adventures that await visitors, Tawney Farm is also full of civil war history and is the perfect spot for nature lovers, hikers, and bird watchers.  Let’s take you on an adventure to the white water and majestic gorges of West Virginia.  Enjoy my conversation with Susan Tawney. Tawney FarmGauley River Wild & Woolly Primitive CampgroundNew River Gorge National ParkHipCampGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

3/3/25 • 64:31

Send us a textDid you know that there are about 1.8 million tea growers around the world? The leading tea-producing countries include Argentina, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Taiwan. The U.S. trails behind the 6 million tons of global tea production,  producing only about 90 to 100 tons a year. And there are about 80 to 90 tea farms spread across 17 states in the U.S., with most of the tea growers located in Hawaii. Meet Lori Baker …a farmer and artist. Lori is one of the owners of Heron’s Meadow Farm located in Woodbine Maryland.  Lori and her husband Bob grow tea under the company name BLTeas.  Growing tea in Maryland is not an easy feat mainly due to the cold temperatures.  Knowing the statistics around growing teas in the US and growing teas on the East Coast of the US, Lori and her husband knew what they were up against,  but they took on the challenge anyway.  The couple had been contemplating an agricultural venture. Lori, an electrical engineer for 30 years, had sold her company and knew one thing for certain: She wanted to focus on farming for the next chapter of her life. She has always loved growing things, and loved watching nature do its miraculous thing. SheI feels at peace when she’s digging in the dirt or planting seeds and just feels a connection with nature. During the winter months Lori focuses on her art…specifically her pottery…her teapots and mugs are the perfect compliment to her home grown teas. Lori’s story is not an easy one.  As you will learn, Lori has survived 2 kidney transplants and now has a renewed energy and focus for her farm. An amazing story and a truly amazing woman - enjoy my conversation with Lori  Baker. BLTeas StoreMudPi Studios (Lori's Pottery Business)Heron's Meadow Farm FacebookEmail Lori to Join their Newsletter @ Lori.blteas@gmail.comGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

2/24/25 • 63:00

Send us a textI’ve taken leaps of faith in the past, but nothing like Giany Guedjo, the Executive Director at Carolina Human Reinvestment.  Giany was an accountant at an orphanage in Benin, West Africa.  But Giany wanted more for himself and his expanding family.  He entered an immigration lottery to come to the US….and he was selected.  And that’s when the leap of faith really began…showing up in New York, not proficient in English, with no real home and job to go to, a one and a half year old child, and a pregnant wife. And now, many years later, a 2nd Master degree later, Giany is heading up a non profit organization in Georgetown County, South Carolina that is having a significant impact on the children of incarcerated parents through various programs, mainly centered around growing food.  And the impact is not only on these families, but the food his organization grows is having a significant impact on the greater community who is struggling to put nutritious food on their tables.  Yes, it was a leap of faith that Giany took and continued to take over the years….and still continues to take to this day.  He also said that his journey also required some real patience along the way. The main focus of my discussion with Giany is around his journey and the mission and evolution of Carolina Human Reinvestment. You will also see that in order to sustain and grow all the good that Carolina Human Reinvestment is doing, Giany is now using a bit of agritourism through a successful farm to table dinner fundraiser.  And I think that if he carefully expands those farm to table, agritourism opportunities and shows off all the amazing and highly effective farming and hydroponic systems that they created, he has a unique opportunity to help sustain and grow his impactful programs.Thank you to Giany, Kathy and his whole team of workers and volunteers….you are doing such impactful and meaningful work for your community and to make this world a better and healthier place.  Enjoy my conversation with Giany Guedjo!Carolina Human Reinvestment (CHRSC)Watch Video Tour of CHRSC Greenhouse & Hydroponic SetupGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

2/17/25 • 76:51

Send us a textThey believe that great craft chocolate is “true to the bean,” – that the flavors apparent in the bar reflect the flavors hidden in the cacao bean. Like coffee beans and wine grapes, different cacao beans have different flavors. Discovering those flavors is one of the joys Tom & Monica feel when making (and eating) single-origin craft chocolate! Tom and Monica are the owners of Goodnow Farms Chocolate. They enjoyed working together and wanted to have a shared vision and adventure while raising their two children.  And that shared vision and adventure was through connecting people to where their chocolate comes from.  Goodnow Farms chocolate is made in their 225-year old farm factory in Sudbury, MA. They offer scheduled factory tours in the spring and fall - you can check out their website to sign up.  Originally, they started making chocolate in their Los Angeles apartment out of a desire to eat more high quality chocolate. They couldn’t find reliable, local chocolate sources so they figured they would make it themselves. It took them a few years to perfect their chocolate recipes… but when they did,  they decided to move to MA to build their chocolate factory.  Tom and Monica’s bars have a unique appeal for many reasons but one being that they produce their own cocoa butter, something that many bean to bar chocolate makers do not do. I’ve had the opportunity to savor several GoodNow Farms single origin chocolate bars. Tom will reveal his and Monica’s favorites as well! I will tempt you with two of their intriguing bar names….Passion Fruit & Cream & Caramelized Onion….mmmmmm! Enjoy my chat with Tom and Monica from Goodnow Farms Chocolate. Goodnow Farms ChocolateGoodnow Farms Chocolate GiftsGoodnow Farms Hot CocoaGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

2/10/25 • 55:08

Send us a textAs I speak to farmers from around the US and beyond, I am always interested in where they are garnering support from.  Farmers enter into farming from all different backgrounds. Some need help securing land, some need financial support, some need marketing and accounting support, and some need help with farming skills.  And we would assume that those support systems would be available.  Well that is not always the case.  However, in some areas, that is definitely the case and the level of support for farmers and the agricultural industry is very present, active and constantly innovating ways to support and help the farming community.Berkshire Agricultural Ventures is one of those non profit companies that is doing just that. They are on a mission to support the development and viability of local farms and food businesses in order to build a thriving and equitable local food economy in the Berkshire-Taconic region in MA, CT, and NY. And they do this by providing flexible and innovative financial and technical resources to farmers and local food businesses. In this podcast episode you will meet the Executive Director of Berkshire Ag Ventures, Rebecca Busansky and Ben Crockett, Program Manager for their Climate Smart Ag Program.  Rebecca’s past work focused on helping local farms thrive and increasing food access. Before leading Berkshire Ag Ventures, Rebecca led efforts to build an innovative community investment vehicle that provided financing and technical assistance to farm and local food entrepreneurs in Western MA. She also managed the Mass Food Trust Program since its inception in 2018 which provides financing to increase the availability of affordable healthy food in underserved communities across the Commonwealth. Rebecca works hard to understand the needs of today’s farmers and leads her non profit to deliver products and services to meet and exceed those needs.Ben Crockett works diligently with local farmers to help them understand and manage their soil, which is the most important ingredient in farming.  He is also focused on helping them manage and plan for changing climate demands which is top of mind for many farmers today.  Berkshire Ag Ventures should be a model employed by every US county.  First we need to understand, recognize and appreciate the importance of farmers to our local and regional food systems…and then we need to figure out how to best support their success.  It’s in all of our best interests to do that. My conversation with Rebecca and Ben took place a few weeks prior to the inauguration. Just a note that some of the programs that we discussed may be impacted by the government changes that are taking place.  Berkshire Agriculture VenturesLand for GoodAmerican Farmland TrustGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

2/3/25 • 68:09

Send us a textEver wonder how to creatively bridge art and agriculture together…Donna Neuwirth and Jay Salinas have mastered this creative bridge.. And they not only have mastered integrating art and agriculture, they have also set the stage for lifelong connections to form, way beyond their company’s many inspiring projects.After many years working in art and theater in Chicago, Donna Neuwirth and Jay Salinas moved to a farm in the Driftless Region of southwest Wisconsin and learned to grow vegetables.  Don’t worry, I asked about what the Driftless Region is and Jay did a great job of describing it to me!  Stay tuned for that.Seduced by life in the soil (I loved this phrase written by Donna & Jay and couldn’t wait to repeat it!!)  and struck by parallels between farming and art making, Jay and Donna formed Wormfarm Institute and created an Artist Residency Program in the year 2000. They slowly transformed a dairy barn into a studio space and initiated a CSA farm-share program. Each year, resident artists of all disciplines are carefully selected to come to the farm from across the country to grow food, eat well, and make art. Out of these seasonal infusions of creative energy, grounded in the most fundamental activity—farming—Wormfarm’s public-facing programs such as the biennial Farm/Art DTour emerged.  DTour is spelled DTour. It started out as a real Detour from another art tour. A little story that Jay explains in our interview! This Farm/Art DTour is probably not what you are thinking it is.  It is actual art (pretty big art) built onto farmland that can be viewed via a vehicle tour.  Jay also tells us about their Fermentation Festival and how that helped set the stage for the Art DTour. I interviewed Jay while he and Donna were on hiatus from the Wisconsin Farm, spending time in their second home, Mexico City.  Jay describes the energy he feels at the Wisconsin Farm and the energy he derives from being in Mexico City. He hopes to create more connections from his Wisconsin home to his home away from home in Mexico City.  Enjoy my conversation with Jay Salinas from Wormfarm Institute.  Wormfarm InstituteFarm/Art DTourArt Residency ProgramSmithsonian Museum on Main StreetGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

1/27/25 • 71:59

Send us a textWhen I was a kid I did not like history class, or as we called it, social studies.  For me, it felt like the classes were about memorizing textbook material and dates.  I was not lucky enough to have teachers that made it more exciting to learn about history and its importance, relevance, and connection to the now.  However, as an adult, I have a whole new appreciation for history, learning about history and even teaching history.  I am on the Board of my local historical society, have developed classes for our 1850 one room schoolhouse and actually teach some of those classes.  I love watching kids experience history vs. just reading about it and memorizing facts.  Well what is better than tourism coupled with learning about history.  To me, it creates an amazing experience for any age!  And that is what Susan Meredith from Blackwater Adventures has created in Dorchester County, Maryland.In 2002, husband and wife team, Jay and Susan Meredith, decided to start Blackwater Paddle and Pedal Adventures. The Hyatt Chesapeake Bay Resort had just been built and Blackwater Refuge was becoming a frequent destination for people searching for a weekend nature fix. And, as you will learn, the properties that Susan and Jay own, hold some significant history around the Underground Railroad. One of the sites is where abolitionist Harriet Tubman was hit in the head with a counter weight as a young girl which altered the course of her life.Jay and Susan used entrepreneurial vision and strong work ethic to help develop Blackwater Adventures into a successful tourism enterprise.  And, although they are focused on delivering extraordinary  kayaking, biking, fishing and other outdoor adventures, their adventures are coupled with a passion for teaching the stories about the past…and this certainly differentiates their outdoor adventures, and helps them stand out from the rest.Enjoy my conversation with adventurer and history story teller Susan Meredith. Blackwater AdventuresFreedom Harriet Tubman Underground RailroadBlackwater National Wildlife RefugeDelmarvaAnna Ella CarrollGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

1/20/25 • 56:31

Send us a textThe farmer - Jamie.  And the chef- Madison.  A few years ago, they were both in Rome, Italy, independently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Food Studies and Policies for Sustainable Production and Consumption. During their time in Italy and while hiking through olive trees in Tuscany, they became friends and contrived this farm plan that involved creating a space to grow food, partnering with those they admired, and sharing good vibes and education. A few years later, actually sooner than they had originally planned for, Jamie was given an opportunity to farm some family land in MA.  And their concept was suddenly manifesting…Dancing Greens Farm was born.  You are going to love Jamie and Madison and their serendipitous stories.  Even the business name Dancing Greens has a fun story. I absolutely love what they are creating in the Berkshires….a true sustainable, no till, women-owned farm that grows veggies, herbs and flowers.  AND also hosts authentic farm to table dinners and immersive educational experiences.  And what’s so great is that Jamie and Madison have just begun their journey and I am really excited to see how their journey unfolds this coming year and beyond.Enjoy my exciting conversation with Jamie and Madison. By the end you just might want to get your hands in the soil and you will definitely be savoring some of Madison’s farm to table creations.  Dancing Greens FarmM.A. Food Studies: Policies for sustainable production and consumptionBerkshire GrownBerkshire Grown Podcast InterviewGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

1/13/25 • 58:31

Send us a textI had the pleasure of speaking with a mother daughter team…well actually, in real life,  they are a mother daughter father team, but dad likes to stay behind the scenes.  Thea Hall is the Owner, Vintner, and Farm Caretaker of Broken Spoke, a boutique winery and vineyard on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a unique focus on animals and communication or conversation styles- you will understand more about what that means when you listen to the podcast!  Maggie Hall, Thea’s daughter, is the social media, events, and wine club management guru for Broken Spoke.  Thea describes Broken Spoke as three separate businesses - the first business is growing the wine, the second is making the wine and the third is marketing the wine.  And she is very right about these three being very distinct businesses that require very different skill sets, experience, and know how.When I asked about the relationships with a mother, daughter…and father team running a business…I loved how Thea and Maggie responded.  Thea describes her husband as the doer who gets the cart rolling and Maggie describes her mom as the person who steers and puts all the road signs up to tell her father where to go. And Maggie - well she  fixes all the flats!!!  I think that is a pretty impressive and collaborative team who have each found their strengths and figured out how to most effectively manage all three businesses that make up Broken Spoke Vineyard and Winery. Enjoy my conversation with Thea and Maggie Hall. Broken Spoke WineryCurrent Wine Selections - Check out the Labels Grounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

1/6/25 • 49:08

Send us a textToday we are speaking with Margaret Moulton, Executive Director at Berkshire Grown.  Berkshire Grown, based in Great Barrington, MA,  works toward an equitable and resilient local food system by supporting and promoting farmers, connecting people to local food, and building community partnerships around local food security.  Margaret and I explore the impact of Berkshire Grown on the community and how the organization, its members, and its partners demonstrated, especially during COVID, the need of relying on regional food sources and that you actually can rely on those regional food sources.  Many foods can be sourced locally and being conscious of what is growing during the current season is very important in order to support local farmers and the local economy.Margaret’s grant writing background has significantly contributed to her success in her Executive Director role at Berkshire Grown. She mines for Federal, state, regional, and local grant opportunities in order for Berkshire Grown to properly and effectively serve the needs of the local community.  Projects like their mobile farmers markets which reach into underserved communities, is a growing model of how Berkshire Grown is meeting the needs of its farmers and the community surrounding these farmers. Enjoy my conversation with Margaret Moulton and we hope you get inspired to shop your local farmers market or farmstand on a weekly basis.Berkshire GrownUSDA Grants & LoansWinter Farmers MarketsLocal Food AccessFood & Farm MapGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

12/30/24 • 71:30

Send us a textI had a very inspiring and deeply insightful conversation with Richard Andres, owner of Tantre Farm in Michigan.  Richard is a farmer, a philosopher, and former carpenter.  Well I say former carpenter but I am sure his carpentry skills come in super handy on the farm. Those are one set of skills I wish I had more of. So when I say my conversation was deeply insightful that is probably an understatement.  When I noticed in Richard’s bio that he worked with the Ann Arbor and Toronto Zen Buddhist temples, I figured that our conversation may go well beyond the economics of farming.  And it certainly did.  When I left the conversation with Richard, I felt a deep understanding about WHY he does what he does and why feeding people and connecting with people through food is at the foundation of everything he does…from a very successful CSA, upick, and meal program to the farm education…he serves his community through food. With his wife Deb by his side, they are such an positive force in their community and with everyone they touch.  I left my conversation with Richard conveying to him that he needs to write a book…the world needs to hear his unique wisdom and philosophies about food and farming.  I encourage you to mindfully listen to this episode with an open heart.  It will help to fill you! Tantre Farm  Thích Nhất Hạnh - MindfulnessEliot Coleman Nourishing Traditions, Sally FallonThe Aldo Leopold Foundation - Where Ethics Meet EarthA Sand County AlmanacWendell Berry - The Berry CenterGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

12/23/24 • 70:14

Send us a textToday I am chatting with Tracy Mitchell Griggs from AgVenturesUS.  Tracy is the ultimate connector when it comes to everything agritourism.  Growing up in south Jersey, Tracy developed a love of farmers veggies from local farmers markets. She also spent a lot of time on the eastern shore of Maryland where she enjoyed Chesapeake Bay Sailing adventures with her family.  Tracy spent time in California exploring and expanding her culinary skills and later returned to the Mid Atlantic where she studied the global aquaculture industry.  Throughout her career, agritourism has become a significant theme, and Tracy is applying that knowledge, experience and her many agritourism contacts to build out some business concepts surrounding the arts and agriculture and a Mid Atlantic Agritourism Alliance. Learn about how Tracy’s diverse career, experiences and her knack for connecting people have come together to form these new and exciting ventures. AgVenturesUSMid Atlantic Agritourism AllianceFarm & Art TourSouth Carolina's Ag & Art Tour Embodies What AgriTourism Is All AboutFractured AtlasDig In VermontGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

12/16/24 • 68:45

Send us a textI am so excited for you to hear from my very dear friend and fellow entrepreneur, Waldo Cabrera.  Waldo is an Emmy-Winning, Emmy-Nominated, and extremely talented video producer.  I have known Waldo for many years. We have collaborated on many work projects, I have conducted many interviews for a TV show he produced, and we have had many thrilling times like riding the Cyclone in Coney Island after a video shoot at the opening of a local community center.   Waldo knew I have a passion for all things agriculture as he covered many of our farm events and innovations on his TV episodes.  And he also knew that I happened to love chocolate and traveled to Central America a few times to learn about the agriculture behind chocolate.  Well one day, to my surprise, Waldo just happened to mention that his family owns a 100 year old organic cacao farm in the Dominican Republic!!!  Why he withheld that fact from me, I will never know…and we joke about it to this day! But once I found out and we chatted about it, we turned it into a family media adventure to the Dominic Republic.  And what an amazing adventure it was…to immerse in the culture of the Dominican Republic and be part of a working organic cacao farm...and to be able to experience this with close friends and family….I hope you enjoy my conversation with Waldo Cabrera. MyLITVHolocaust Survivor Ruth Kohn: From Living in Hell To Living in Paradise in Sosua, D.R.Broadway on MainEMMY WINNER:  Laylas Dance & Drum's Black History Month with the Harlem GlobetrottersEMMY WINNER: Conversation with Director Barry Sonnenfeld at the Cinema Arts Centre EMMY NOMINATION: Legendary TV Producer Norman Lear at the Cinema Arts Centre Puerto Rico's 2020 EARTHQUAKES SITUATION ON THE GROUND AND APPEALNo Dream is Too High: One on One with Buzz Aldrin at the Book RevueWomen Chocolate Makers Breaking Boundaries in Dominican RepublicRiding the Donkey to the Organic Cacao FarmDominican DreamGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

12/9/24 • 70:49

Send us a textIt’s not every day we see an agriculture professional turned banker! Today we will meet one! Many of us bank at some of the large banking institutions with branding we are very familiar with. If not one of the large banks, some bank with credit unions or invest in local and regional banking institutions. But do you think about how your money is used and invested after it is deposited into your current bank?  In all honesty, I didn’t…until I  learned about Walden Mutual Bank and had a conversation with CEO, Charley Cummings, agriculture business owner turned banking professional.  If you care about agriculture, farming, healthy food, sustainability, and our Earth, then why wouldn’t you consider investing your money in a banking institution that cares about the same things…where your deposits are invested back into agriculture, farming, food, sustainability and our Earth?  And if you are a growing company in any of these industries and are located in New England and NY,  Walden Mutual has financial options for you to consider.  Enjoy my conversation with Charley Cummings from Walden Mutual Bank.  And even if you don’t move your money right away, research how your bank is investing its funds and whether it is in alignment with how you would want your money to be invested. Walden Mutual BankThe Dirty Life: A Memoir of Farming, Food, and LoveWalden LocalGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

12/2/24 • 50:21

Send us a text“It is never too late to take the first step toward our dreams, no matter how big or impractical - or seemingly outrageous.”  This is a quote from Jane Lee Rankin from her compelling memoir called Farm Family. This is a book about the adventure that created Apple Hill Farm in North Carolina. It’s all about how a solo mom with a broken heart and no farming or livestock experience created a renowned agritourism destination and thriving mountaintop farm. A chance encounter with an alpaca in the year 2000 at the Kentucky State Fair planted a seed for Jane (aka Lee) that grew into a big and life defining dream of wanting to raise alpacas. I have to admit that I know very little about alpacas but after reading Farm Family and interviewing Jane,  I want to drive down to her farm and meet these animals that Jane describes as having a deep “spiritual knowing.” To quote Jane - “A farm was the perfect environment to raise a young son. Through the challenges that arose on the journey it was Will and my faith that provided the strength to get up and keep moving forward. Somewhere along the way, I became a farmer, a lover of land, animals and plants, and a memoir writer….”Jane recognized the importance of being in the moments with her son Will and, throughout the memoir, we had the opportunity to experience those important, memorable moments of love and learning. Jane’s connection to her son Will, the land, the animals, and the people she attracted to share in her journey, are truly compelling. Apple Hill Farm is open year round for guided walking tours to meet and learn about the animals. In summer they offer experiences such as:Barn quilt paintingGoat yogaKnitting with the alpacasAnd moreThey also have an Apple Hill Farm Store that sells all sorts of amazing items such as  yarn, alpaca socks, gloves, apparel, and honey.And, in addition, Jane helps other farmers and entrepreneurs by offering classes on agritourism and educates people about farming, animals and where food comes from. Enjoy my conversation with Jane Lee Rankin from Apple Hill Farm. Apple Hill FarmFarm Family BookCook Book - Cookin up a StormApple Hill Farm StoreAlpaca Dryer BallsAgritourism ConsultingGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

11/25/24 • 64:23

Send us a textThere is nothing like the taste of a real, authentic New England maple syrup. This one is not located in Vermont - it’s located right in the Berkshires!  And I even had the chance to spend a few hours touring and tasting my way through this amazing farm.Justamere Tree Farm is located in the town of Worthington MA.  The land was purchased in 1982 and owned by JP and Marian. They fell in love with a 26-acre wooded lot with a brook and hunting cabin and farmed the land for 38 years.  The woods became their livelihood, the earth their roots, and the trees their grounding.  The farm is newly owned by three inspirational women - Kelly, Kim and Deb. It is now an all women-owned maple business that runs on clean, renewable energy. And it is situated on 60 acres of rolling hills filled with maples and birch.I had the pleasure of speaking with Deb who spent most of her career as a biologist for the US Fish and Wildlife Service and lived in many places including Connecticut, Maine, and Alaska. She believes that private landowners and sustainable agriculture play an integral role in conservation. That is why she fell in love with Justamere Tree Farm and the ethic behind the business.Her business partner Kelly grew up outdoors as a competitive ski and mountain bike racer who is passionate about a life focused on nature and the environment. After spending time in her childhood on a farm in Ohio, Kelly has now returned to her roots.And Kim grew up riding horses through the fields and forests of rural Alabama. She lived in Alaska for over 20 years where, among other things, she did backcountry search and rescue with her dog. Her lifelong passion for the outdoors, and the beauty of New England drew her to this new adventure. Join me in learning about this special maple forest in the heart of the Berkshires and learn all about Justamere’s authentic and unique maple products, some favorites being the maple seasoning, maple hot cocoa, cinnamon maple sugar, and so much more.  Enjoy my conversation with Deb, of the owners of Just- A- Mere Tree Farm. Justamere Tree FarmBerkshire GrownBerksharesGreat Barrington Farmers MarketHarold Grinspoon FoundationGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

11/18/24 • 43:25

Send us a textToday we are chatting with Donna Del Rey, owner of Relish Culinary Adventures.Relish Culinary Adventures (love the name!) is a culinary program that brings together talented chefs and fabulous cuisine at a variety of captivating rural locations including farms and orchards, to create one-of-a-kind authentic cooking classes, culinary tours and excursions, and catering services.Based in Healdsburg, California, in the heart of the Sonoma County wine country, Relish offers culinary events on a wide range of topics from wine country cuisine to ethnic specialties, cheese making to wild mushroom foraging - the mushroom foraging is one of my favorites! . In addition, Relish hosts activities that bring people together in the kitchen, such as private cooking parties and corporate team-building events.Donna has such an authentic and transparent nature. Owning your own business is hard and requires a lot of resiliency, risk, leaps of faith, and strategic thinking and planning. But it sometimes requires you to react and do things that are not aligned with the initial vision and plan. And when you need to do this, you sometimes feel a sense of desperation, that you are doing everything to make your business survive, even if it doesn’t completely align with the vision.  However, I believe that pivoting and diversifying is sometimes necessary in order to survive and eventually thrive.  And that is what happened to Donna.  She pivoted, she diversified her income streams…she survived…and now she is thriving once again.  That is the real journey of an entrepreneur.  And, although Relish Culinary and its mission to connect people to where their food comes from is at the forefront of our discussion, I think Donna’s openness about her business challenges and ability to be flexible, are truly at the heart of our discussion and is such an important story to be told.I hope you enjoy my conversation with Donna! Relish Culinary AdventuresRelish Culinary Calendar of EventsCulinary ToursRelish Culinary InstagramRelish Culinary FacebookDry Creek PeachGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

11/11/24 • 75:22

Send us a textI have been doing a lot of local traveling, really digging into the northeast US where my agriculture focus seems to be currently taking me.  I visited a bean festival at a farm in Sheffield, Massachusetts (MA), located in the southern part of the Berkshires. The Berkshires or Berkshire County is located in Western Massachusetts, with New York State very close to the west, Connecticut to the south, and Vermont to the north. Before going to the festival I met a friend for lunch at the Berkshire Food Coop and explored the downtown area of Great Barrington, MA.  Kind of fell in love with the vibe of the whole area - the energy, the outdoor air, the agriculture focus….everything about it.   Of course I grabbed a few brochures related to farming and local businesses and came across something called Berkshares…a local Currency Program. BerkShares is the best-known contemporary example of a place-based currency. They have over 300 participating locally-owned and community-minded businesses that support Berkshares to keep money circulating in the region, thereby contributing to a greater local multiplier effect. My marketing and business development mind immediately recognized what a brilliant marketing and loyalty program that this currency program really is. I had the pleasure of speaking with Jared Spears, the Marketing Director of Berkshares.  Berkshares is a program that came out of the Schumacher Center for a New Economics. They work to envision the elements of a just and regenerative global economy, undertake to apply these elements in the Berkshires; and develop the educational programs to share the results more broadly, thus encouraging replication.  Stay tuned for an interesting history on how the Berkshares local currency initiative got started and transformed out of some previous programs including Deli Dollars and Berkshire Farm Preserve Notes. Jared provided me with a good understanding of the local economics that contributed to the launch of this local currency.  Enjoy my conversation with Jared Spears.BerksharesBerkshire Community Land TrustFarmstead for Farmers Initiative Schumacher Center for new economics Grounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

11/4/24 • 53:51

Send us a textWe left New York and it was 27 degrees Fahrenheit and mild.  We arrived in Grenada a little over four hours later and it was 78 degrees, partly sunny and fairly humid.  Earl, our driver, was awaiting our arrival.  He drove us in his car to the ‘countryside’ on the north west side of Grenada.  The roads were thin and very windy with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea.  Houses were located on both sides of the road – some on stilts overlooking the water and others embedded in the mountainside of green vegetation. This was the beginning of our agriculture adventure in Grenada…An hour later, we arrived at Crayfish Bay Organics, a 200-year old, 15-acre cacao farm. We met Kim and Lylette Russell – owners of the estate and Crayfish Bay Chocolate. Kim, a very entertaining, determined, and hard working man of English descent, lived most of his life on the water in the Caribbean and most recently settled down in Grenada. Lylette was originally from Guyana, South America and lived a good part of her life in St. Lucia. Kim and Lylette connected online and live and work their estate at Crayfish Bay.Their land produces cacao, bananas, plantains, oranges, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, guava, mango, passion fruit, grapefruit, avocado, star fruit, and so much more. This trip to Grenada was truly an agricultural immersion and adventure…which included cacao growing, chocolate making, tree and farm to table food, spice tours, hiking, tons of exploring….and, most importantly, connecting with such dedicated people.  These are the things that keep people coming back and visiting Crayfish Bay year after year. Enjoy my conversation with Lylette Russell  from Crayfish Bay Organics. Crayfish Bay OrganicsThe Little House, Crayfish Bay AirbnbThe Tree House, Crayfish Bay AirbnbGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

10/28/24 • 54:03

Send us a textBrian Sullivan, Gayle Okumura Sullivan and son Patrick Sullivan purchased Dry Creek Peach in 2000 and are approaching 25 years with the farm.  Dry Creek Peach, located in the heart of Dry Creek Valley of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, California is surrounded by wine country. They are the last remaining fruit farm in the valley with 1000 peach trees. They are the only dedicated, certified organic peach farm in the county. The farm produces about 30 varieties of peaches between Memorial Day and Labor Day, some of which will make your mouth water as Gayle describes them in our podcast interview.Gayle and Brian knew very little about farming and specifically peach farming when entering this business. But they quickly recognized the unique beauty and bounty of the farm, and they took the leap of faith. Well, almost 25 years later, they have fine-tuned and expanded the business, learning and adjusting as they go, tackling new and unique challenges every farm season, and leading with a focus and dedication to producing the highest quality peaches.  This focus has opened up unique marketing and distribution opportunities. It’s easy to see why their fruit is savored by famous chefs and food entrepreneurs.  Picture yourself in Sonoma County, CA among the peach trees and enjoy my chat with Gayle and Brian. Dry Creek PeachRussian River BrewingAlley 6 - Peach BrandyRelish CulinaryDry Creek Valley Sonoma Wine CountryOutstanding in the FieldGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

10/21/24 • 76:50

Send us a textSteve and Sandy are the inspiring founders of East Tennessee Homestead Alliance.  Sandy reached out to me about the podcast a few months ago.  We ended up speaking on the phone about homesteading and what it really is all about. Many people, including myself who is close to farming and all about sustainability, have this impression of homesteading as a far reaching goal that we would not be capable of doing or achieving in our current environments… that you need to be living out in the boonies without electricity to be even considered a homesteader.  Well, Sandy’s description of homesteading is not that at all.  She basically broke homesteading down to a simple definition - homesteading is all about keeping a steady home. That anyone can homestead and integrate homesteading regardless of their living situation and environment.  I thought that her definition was brilliant and creates a sense of “I can do this.”So Steve and Sandy are doing just that…they are teaching people how to homestead through their own life learnings and mastery and through the network they have formed in East Tennessee.  And how does this tie into Agritourism?  Well it ties in in many ways, but most importantly through education… through programs, retreats, alliance events, and, most importantly, through how Steve and Sandy live their own lives.  Steve and Sandy each have inspiring and humbling stories about how they came together and have spent over 39 years making each day count.  I hope you are left with a feeling of inspiration and exhilaration after listening to my chat with Steve and Sandy! Steve and SandyWildbody School of WellnessEast Tennessee Homestead AllianceGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

10/14/24 • 86:49

Send us a textRachael Callahan is currently California’s Statewide Agritourism Coordinator focused on the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program through UC Davis.  Originally from Delaware, Rachael stumbled into sustainable agriculture from her graduate studies and has focused on local and regional food systems.  She spent time in Belize working on a demonstration agroforestry farm looking at and modeling indigenous land stewardship and farming. She then spent time in Nantucket working for a non profit focused on bolstering the local food economy. She eventually moved to Washington DC to work on an urban farm. Her experiences working in very different and unique communities aligned with her education allowed her to expand her scope of work and take on a challenging role as statewide agritourism opportunity in California. In her role, Rachael provides training to farmers and ranchers interested in diversifying their income via agritourism. She examines trends, impacts, challenges, and barriers and identifies solutions.  She also focuses on capacity and network building  by connecting farmers throughout the state.   Rachael is constantly inspired by the resilience, determination, creativity and innovation of California’s agricultural producers and is very grateful for being in a role that supports them. Enjoy my conversation with Rachael Callahan.  Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education ProgramAgritourism in CaliforniaMaya Mountain Research Farm, BelizeGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

10/7/24 • 48:32

Send us a textBefore she turned 10 years old, she already knew all about zucchini, white eggplant, garlic scapes, heirloom tomatoes, how to tell basil vs. mint vs. oregano, when to plant garlic, and what to pair lavender honey with.  My daughter Anna just turned 20-years old in September 2024 and is pursuing a college major in Economics and minor in Sustainability. She also just finished a summer of 70 hour workweeks and an amazing internship with Moka Origins.  Our very first podcast episode was with one of the founders of Moka Origins, Jeff Abella.  Moka Origins is working to make cacao and coffee a sustainable source of income for farmers around the world. 165 million people depend on cacao or coffee for their livelihood, however many aren’t paid a living wage and are stuck in poverty. To end this poverty cycle, Moka Origins pays more to farmers for their beans which they use to craft healthier, better tasting chocolate and coffee.  Moka offers Origin Adventures…incredible adventures to connect people with their global cacao and coffee sourcing partners. My daughter Anna had the opportunity to  spend a week at the Moka Origins headquarters in Honesdale, PA and to participate in their Origin Adventure in Mexico.  In our podcast episode with Jeff Abella, we took a deep dive into all his current origin adventures, but Anna took us a bit deeper and we explored details about her personal experiences on her trip to Mexico. Hearing about this trip through the eyes and inspiration of a 20-year old, is a unique perspective and one that I truly enjoyed.  I am really excited for everyone to virtually meet my daughter Anna and very humbled to have the opportunity to interview her so early in her career journey. Maybe one day when she has advanced in her career path, she will reflect fondly on this interview.  Enjoy my conversation with Anna Morrongiello. Cocoa Economy - Crisis or Opportunity? Moka Origin Mexico Adventure TripRiding the Donkey to the Organic Cacao Farm in DRWomen Chocolate Makers Breaking Boundaries in DRAgri-Tourist Podcast Episode 1 - Jeff Abella, Moka OriginsGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

9/30/24 • 80:44

Send us a textLaurelee Blanchard, Founder and President of Leilani Farm Sanctuary, and author of “Finding Paradise”, left a lucrative career at a Commercial Real Estate Firm to devote her life to animal protection and humane education. In 1999, she cashed out her life savings and moved from Orange County, California, to Hawaii to the island of Maui. Laurelee acquired an eight-acre parcel of land, on which she created a farm sanctuary—a refuge where animals would be protected from neglect, abuse, and slaughter.Leilani Farm Sanctuary is a non-profit organization, home to nearly three hundred rescued animals.  They include goats, chickens, rabbits, ducks, a donkey, geese, deer, cats, pigs, sheep, turkeys, guinea pigs and tortoises. The Sanctuary provides educational programs for school groups and special-needs visitors and offers tours and humane education to the general public. They now host weddings at this majestic sanctuary in Maui.  What better way to start a life with someone special…by giving back and supporting animals from neglect, abuse and slaughter. I want to add that I read Laurelee’s book Finding Paradise after I did this interview.  Laurelee overcame so many intense personal and financial struggles to maintain and keep her animals at the sanctuary.  She gave everything of herself to stay aligned with her mission and to help these animals thrive. During our conversation many of these struggles were not evident in the way that her book discusses them so I highly recommend you read her book.  I am humbled by Laurelee and all that she stands for…. She is humanely human. Leilani Farm SanctuaryFinding Paradise BookGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

9/23/24 • 52:24

Send us a textApple picking season probably generates fun memories for many people; it does for me.  Apple picking definitely embodies agritourism.  And Scott Farm in Dummerston, Vermont is an eco-certified heirloom apple oasis.  The farm is rich in history - it was settled in 1791 and the orchards were planted in 1911 and now bear over 130 varieties of apples, many of which are heirloom. Scott Farm is a for-profit working farm which is owned by The Landmark Trust USA, a nonprofit historic preservation organization which was gifted the 571 acre property in 1995. Today, Scott Farm is led by General Manager Simon Renault and Orchardist Erin Robinson. The orchard is a living, breathing ecosystem that is managed with biological and cultural methods which produce healthy, high quality fruits. The  community can visit the farm,  enjoy their  beautiful grounds,  pick apples, shop at the farmers market, eat at their outdoor cafe, drink cidars produced at their cider mill, tour the property, enjoy community events, and celebrate their own events. Although I definitely understand the hard work involved in farming, I never really understood much about apples - even after all the years of visiting orchards and apple picking.  I feel like there was a missed opportunity to educate me about apples during all of those apple picking adventures. This presents a significant opportunity for apple orchards to embrace agritourism in an even more immersive way. My inspiring conversation with Simon and Erin gave me a whole new appreciation for the intricacies involved in apple growing and a renewed interest in learning more about apples. The next time you go apple picking, talk to the farmers and orchardists or take a tour if available, and  learn more about what it takes to grow these gorgeous, healthy fruits.  Enjoy my conversation with Simon and Erin!Scott Farm OrchardRed TomatoUVM Extension ResourcesGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

9/16/24 • 52:42

Send us a textThis is our WWOOF Part 2 podcast with Pattie Baker. Pattie is the author of "Round America with a Duck" where she traveled across America right before her 60th birthday via bike, buses, trains and WWOOFing! If you want to learn more about WWOOFING catch Episode 19 from last week.Pattie’s Book moved me. Her adventure was full of lots of learning, inspiring moments, such interesting people and places, and a few exciting and very SCARY experiences.  But, most of all, Pattie’s journey was full of powerful life lessons. Pattie is about to embark on a new WWOOFing journey Round Ireland.  Can't wait to hear about this new exciting journey. Before we launch into my meaningful conversation with Pattie, I will start with an important quote from her book: “My journey Round America with a Duck was hard.  It took a certain kind of person and a certain kind of attitude, plus a willingness to change.  To pivot. To trust the journey. Believing I can do this was the bare minimum for achieving it, and anyone who says they can’t, really truly can’t. If you’re thinking well maybe I can then it's for you. It’s that maybe where the magic lives.”Enjoy my conversation with Pattie Baker...Round America with a DuckPattie Baker on InstagramRound Ireland with a Duck - InstagramPattie Baker on Tik TokPattie Baker's BlogWWOOF USAWWOOF IrelandWWOOF - main global websiteGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

9/9/24 • 94:52

Send us a textWhen I was visiting Crayfish Bay Organics, an organic cacao farm on the island of Grenada, there was an open air cabin filled with ‘WWOOFers.  I had no clue what that term WWOOFer meant at the time.  WWOOF stands for WorldWide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Basically a WWOOFer is a person who is working/volunteering on an organic farm and in return gets free room, board, and food.  What an amazing opportunity to learn, travel, experience the world, and support organic.  I filed that knowledge away at the time,  and, as I began my agritourism journey, WWOOF came across my Instagram. All I could think about was what an amazing agritourism opportunity that WWOOF provides.  Traditionally, the younger generation has embraced WWOOFing.  In Grenada the cabin was filled with much younger adults.  However, I think WWOOFing could be an amazing experience for someone at any age - especially someone trying to reinvent, learn, grow, connect, (or disconnect), and travel.  Part 1 of this podcast is an interview with Jenna Pollard, the Membership Program Manager of WWOOF USA.  But Part 2 was something that came out of my interview with Jenna.  When I told Jenna I was interested in WWOOFIng after my daughter graduates, she mentioned Pattie Baker, at the time an almost 60- year old woman who WWOOFed across America. Pattie wrote a book about her experience called 'Round America with a Duck'.  Patti describes herself as a 1960s child that was about to turn 60 who traveled solo 10,000 miles via bike, buses, trains and WWOOFing in search of hope in a country at a crossroads and world in crisis during the hottest year on earth. So, I had to read Pattie's book and Part 2 of this podcast is with Pattie Baker who will tell us all about her WWOOFing adventure across America.  Join me for the next 2 episodes of The Agri-Tourist podcast and let’s go  WWOOFing! WWOOF USAWWOOF FOWO (Federation of WWOOF Organizations)Round America with a DuckGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

9/2/24 • 35:20

Send us a textI have always had an interest in growing herbs and learning more about the medicinal qualities of different herbs and plants.  This topic fascinates me.  I know the power of mint and ginger in solving digestive issues and I know that there are so many other natural remedies.   So, I was really looking forward to my interview with Linda Shanahan, Herbalist and Registered Nurse, from Bluestem Botanicals.  Linda did extensive education in herbalism on the west coast. She is a registered nurse, a farmer, and her company has transitioned from doing a CSA and farmers markets to herbal education, medicinal herb CSAs, and wholesale herbs, syrups and bitters.  COVID forced their farm to pivot into a slightly new and very profitable direction, offering cocktail and mocktail kits for consumers and, most recently, opening a local herb store in their hometown. Linda and her husband Eric have allowed their farm to evolve and adjust based on the changing times and needs of their target markets.  They are very astute and creative business people who remain dedicated to their mission around herbs and herbalism. Their journey has inspired me to continue learning and also to allow more room for growth, change, and the occasional hard pivot! Bluestem BotanicalsHerbal Education & WorkshopsMocktail KitsCocktail KitsDavid Winston Herbal TherapeuticsGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

8/26/24 • 64:21

Send us a textI had the pleasure of interviewing Suzie Spahr, the Executive Director of NAFDMA - The North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association.  NAFDMA was founded in 1986 and is a membership based non profit trade association solely focused on advancing the farm direct marketing and agritourism industries. NAFDMA is made up of entrepreneurial farm families who invite customers to visit their farms and experience the food and the fun they create, in order to sustain their livelihood. They work to advance agritourism including on-farm retail, pick your own, consumer-supported agriculture, direct delivery, and farmers' markets. They put together events, resources, communications, and peer-to-peer exchanges that bring together new relationships and opportunities for their members.I have to admit, I had not heard of NAFDMA before I began to focus on agritourism and this podcast.  After I entered this arena, the acronym NAFDMA has been mentioned in many of my US conversations as an organization I should get to know and get involved in.Suzi provides some insights into her vision for the organization, how they continue to help farmers and the importance that agritourism brings to farms, especially during tough economic times.  I hope you enjoy my chat with Suzie Spahr.NAFDMANAFDMA EventsGrounded in Maine Podcast hosted by Amy Fagan is an open conversation about being mindful about how we show up for the world. Amy is passionate about learning how we can be sustainable in all aspects of life. Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture. Agri-Tourist.com HeartBeet Farms Instagram About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host Global Agritourism Network

8/19/24 • 54:12