Program can assist farm operators considering agritourism options

PENNSYLVANIA — Farm operators looking to diversify by providing agritourism activities for the public can receive assistance through a program offered by Penn State Extension, in partnership with University of Vermont Extension.

The opportunities to add new and different agritourism options are boundless, according to the organizers of the Agritourism Project, and it can be tough to know what path to pursue.

The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s risk management education program.

By participating in the program, farm operators can assess agritourism alternatives in a one-on-one consultation with members of the Penn State extension team.

Using geographic information systems to examine regional spending trends of direct sales and agritourism activities, participants and extension experts will examine how new agritourism ventures might be integrated into a farm’s current operations. There is no charge for farm operators to participate in the program.

Prospective participants should apply by Wednesday, February 15; email sar243@psu.edu. They should briefly describe their current operation and future plans and ideas. Successful applicants will be notified if they have been selected.

Those selected will meet with one or more project team members to share their goals and relevant farm information and discuss diversification options. Participants will receive a copy of the analysis, and extension specialists will discuss implementation steps.

The project ends Friday, June 30. Organizers note that participants’ commitment to this timeframe is essential.

Ride and walk safely

ONLINE — From the top to the bottom, governmental agencies are acknowledging that to keep drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, wheelers and individuals of all ages and abilities safe, a change in streets and road design is in order. To do that, funding is needed and is available for eligible entities. But without road safety knowledge, applications are likely to be denied.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County invites municipal and community-based organizations to attend a free online program on available funding and resources for road safety.

It will be held on Thursday, February 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Presenters include America Walks; Cornell University; the Federal Highway Administration Resource Center Office of Innovation Implementation, Physical Activity and Nutrition Center of Excellence; Sullivan 180; and the Sullivan County Department of Planning.

Topics will include active-friendly routes to everyday destinations; the Rural Local Roads Safety Plan; updates on complete-streets designs; current projects in Sullivan County that safe routes to health and physical activity; federal, state and local funding sources; and eligibility.

Pre-registration is required. To register, visit sullivancce.org/events.

Those with questions can email sullivan@cornell.edu, or call 845/292-6180.

Honoring radio host Dave Williams. Pictured are Commissioner Jocelyn Cramer, left; Williams; Commissioner Brian Smith; and Commissioner Jim Shook.

Commissioners recognize Williams

HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County Commissioners honored Dave Williams of Farm Country Radio with a certificate of appreciation for the 25 years he supported agriculture with his radio program.

His dedication to farmers, a press release stated,  is exhibited in his interviews with government officials like the PA Secretary of Agriculture, congressmen and state representatives, as well as local farmers. All discussed their issues with weather, markets and prices. Williams’ focus “is, and has always been, improving the lives of the farmers who continue to work the land, raise the livestock and grow the crops that we all depend on for survival.”

The radio shows are broadcast every day on Wayne/Pike News Radio (104.3 FM, 101.9 FM and 1590 AM). “Tune in and you might hear your farmer neighbors describing their farming operations along with their struggles and triumphs as they care for their crops and animals each and every day,” the press release said.