If you run a farm-related business in Loudoun County, VA, please apply to participate in the 2018 Spring Farm Tour, which will be held May 19-20. The Spring and Fall Farm Tours are free, self-guided tours for people of all ages. There is no cost to participate as a tour site, and Loudoun Economic Development will promote all tour sites online and in a widely-distributed printed brochure. Use this tour to promote your products and increase customer traffic or sales. Apply by March 15 at biz.loudoun.gov/FarmTourApp.
“One of the goals of the farm tour is to spur the Loudoun economy by introducing consumers to Loudoun food and product producers,” explains Loudoun Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer.
“We believe that an educated consumer is a repeat consumer,” says Loudoun Agricultural Business Development Officer Kellie Hinkle. “This is why we ask participating farmers to offer an educational component to visitors during the Spring Farm Tour.”
A few examples of educational components are:
- A short tour that informs visitors about your animals or crops;
- Demonstrations, such as animal shearing or other animal care;
- Informational posters about your farm, products, or methods;
- Farm-related activities such as scavenger hunts or seed plantings;
- A short presentation about what you do, why you do it and why it’s important.
Last year’s Spring Farm Tour sites offered a variety of activities, including yarn-spinning, cheese making and a mini-class on container gardening. Other sites presented a live bee demonstration, gave out farm bingo boards, explained equine-assisted psychotherapy, and more.
On-farm and in-town craft beverage venues do not need to apply; they will be featured on the farm tour map. Farms and other venues: please apply online by March 15 at biz.loudoun.gov/FarmTourApp.
