WEEKLY HARVEST

PSU to offer 'road map' for agri-tourism after study
Morrisons Cove Herald
A team of researchers led by a Penn State agricultural economist will receive $500,000 over three years to study agritourism in the United States and to develop research-based information and guidance for farmers looking to diversify their incomes through agritourism activities. The goal of the grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to develop and disseminate practical information that will allow rural communities and owners of small and medium-sized farms to benefit from the growing consumer interest in on-farm experiences, said Claudia Schmidt, assistant professor of marketing and local/regional food systems in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Developing a waiver of liability for on-farm tours and other activities
AG NET West
Farmers are being encouraged to develop liability waivers for on-farm tours and other activities. Executive Director of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, Tawny Tesconi recommends that growers meet with legal counsel to develop a waiver specific to their operation. Tesconi noted that as health officials begin allowing more on-farm tours, tastings, and other activities, growers would be best served by protecting themselves with a waiver.

7 Tips For Writing Job Posts That Attract Candidates
NAFDMA
During NAFDMA’s “Hiring Online” webinar that recently took place, we covered a lot of ground with regards to utilizing online job sites and social media effectively. This webinar recording is now available in NAFDMA’s Online Store, but you should also check out the following LinkedIn resource to get a better understanding of how to compose the job posts that attract the candidates you’re searching for. These 7 tips can help you develop a job description that will increase the chance of you landing the perfect candidate.

Agritourism challenges: COVID-19 causes changes in businesses
AgriNews
As with most industries, COVID-19 has impacted agritourism businesses this year. The NAFDMA International Agritourism Association hosted an online roundtable to share stories and discuss solutions to challenges. Michelle Brown, co-owner of Brown Hill Farms in Pennsylvania, had no clear guidelines on how to proceed with her new 4-acre tulip patch this spring.

Strawberry farm adjusts with drive-thru shopping
Lancaster Farming
Fifer Orchards held a drive-thru this week to keep customers connected to the family and farm that has been operating since 1919. Because of COVID-19, Fifer’s has been limiting sales to online ordering. Customers order produce online, pick a time slot and then show up to be ushered into a parking spot and handed a bag of goodies by friendly mask-wearing staff. They never have to leave their cars and there's no hand-to-hand contact. Spring is a busy time here, and the strawberries and asparagus are both in full swing and heavy demand right now. However, there are no pick-your-own strawberries this season.

CNY farm sells out drive-in movie event, plans more
Syracuse.com
Now that drive-in movie theaters are allowed to resume operating in New York state, a Central New York farm has been given the go-ahead to host its first ever pop-up drive-in movie event. And it's already sold out. Arlington Acres in LaFayette, New York, will show "The Goonies" on a big screen after sunset on Saturday, May 23.

Lavender farmers look to open in June with some provisions
Sequim Gazette
As the fields begin to bloom, Sequim, Washington, lavender farmers remain optimistic as uncertainty looms about the summer's tourism season in the continued wake of COVID-19. Farms that would be open to travelers and locals can currently only offer curbside pickup and/or online deliveries, with Clallam County subject to Phase 1 restrictions of Gov. Jay Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order.