MICHELLE'S IDEA: AgriCultured—Hands-on, farm-based small group retreats in the US
In search of an experienced US tour operator who can advise me on how to curate and price these exceptional and unique multi-day experiences.
+ What is your name?
Michelle B.
+ Where are you located?
The United States
+ In one sentence, tell us about your idea.
My concept is to develop and market hands-on, farm-based, small-group retreats that elevate farmers/producers, educate about sustainable farming practices, establish farm and rural life as a desirable cultural experience and help the general population to feel more connected to agriculture.
+ Describe your ideal collaborative partner or partners.
I would love to collaborate with an experienced tour operator who can advise me on how to curate and price an exceptional and unique multi-day experience. Given that the goal is both to educate/inspire consumers about modern agricultural practices and increase revenues for farmers and rural businesses, I would also love to connect with someone who can guide me towards relevant grant opportunities.
+ What is the most immediate or most pressing challenge you're facing right now?
I have the connections to the farms and expertise to craft and market the experiences, but need advice for the development and pricing of the curated experiences.
+ What is it about your idea that makes you feel good?
Originally from Kansas City, MO, my great-aunt lived on a farm, and I have special memories of spending time at her farm house. To bring this business to fruition and spread greater understanding & appreciation for the unique charms of farm life would mean I've come 'full circle' in my life.
+ What makes your idea innovative? Why has no one ever done it before?
1-The US is surprisingly under-developed in the agri-tourism space, as compared with other countries, particularly Europe. What is known as 'Farm Tours' are largely the activities that individual farms offer to consumers, along with a few packaged (overnight) tours that appear old fashioned, stodgy, uninspiring and passive. However, agri-tourism revenues are on the rise, so the interest is there.
2- My vision is a 3-4 day 'retreat' at a collection of neighboring farms/wineries where people can earn a certification for working or helping out in these properties while getting to know the farmers/producers and being inspired by the unique surroundings. There is a consumer trend known as lifelong learning (think MasterClass) that I feel can be leveraged in conjunction with the increasing interest in agritourism.
+ Who will benefit the most from your idea?
50/50 consumers and farmers. My vision is to help the general population feel more connected to agriculture by giving them an opportunity to engage with the farmers and hear about their craft, which I'm positioning as a cultural experience. At the same time, I will be bringing more people to farms and charging a premium for their unique experiences, so that will benefit the farming community.
+ Ideally, when would you launch this idea?
In a year
+ Indicate which UN goals your idea relates to?
Responsible Consumption and Production
Quality Education
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Good Health and Well-being
+ At Sigmund, we are interested in ideas at the intersection of People, Planet, and Profit. How does your idea relate to these three categories?
I really feel the concept is inherently supporting all three, by design. Creating a unique and aspirational experience for people that gets them outside of the urban environment and into our rural regions and small farms should have a positive impact through expanding ones perspective and enhancing their state of mind by unplugging and doing something new. Part of our destination choice will be to visit farms and properties who can demonstrate and educate about their sustainable farming practices. And, not only will we be driving revenue and enhanced profits for those farms and rural communities, we will build into our business model an annual donation to support farm-related scholarships for women and people of color who may have less access to educational opportunities.
+ If you have a website for your idea, please enter the URL below.
I have purchased the following URL's - but the site (like the business) is still a concept, and not an actuality. AgriCultured.Travel and AgriCultured.Tours (although I'm resisting the word Tours as I fear it is limiting)
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