By Gerhard Uys

Copyright farmersweekly

Reading Time: < 1 minute Ag tourism operations in Otago and Southland will soon be able to get together and compare notes on what it takes to make their businesses successful. The founder of Agritourism NZ, Marijke Dunselman, said a regional network will launch in Otago and Southland in October. The network is an opportunity for farmers with tourism operations, and those interested in starting an operation on their farm, to get together on a quarterly basis and share ideas. There will be two on-farm meetings per year, when agritourism operators can see how other operators run their business, and two online meetings, with guest speakers talking about the ins and outs of running successful operations, Dunselman said. She said the regional network is also tapping into already existing networks, such as Thriving Southland. Discussion groups will take the same format as catchment groups and provide the opportunity for farmers to collaborate, she said. Canterbury is likely to be the next region to launch a network, given strong local interest. South Otago sheep and beef farmer and regional leader for Agritourism NZ Annabel Shadbolt, who also runs agtourism operation Beresford Heights, said the regional network is open to existing and new ag tourism operators. Groups will tackle topics that everyone has issues with, such as booking systems or the different needs of international versus local tourists, she said. Shadbolt said many farmers are looking to diversify their farm operations. The quarterly format means farmers do not have to commit to an onerous amount of meetings or travel too much. The project is funded by AGMARDT, in collaboration with Thriving Southland, who support 37 catchment groups in Southland. The launch is on October 20 at Welcome Rock in Garston.