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Maryland agritourism conference aims to boost farm profits

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension will bring farmers, tourism professionals and agribusiness stakeholders together in Cambridge next month for a conference focused on expanding agritourism opportunities and boosting farm profitability. The second Maryland Agritourism Conference is scheduled for Nov. 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, 100 Heron Blvd. (at Route 50), Cambridge, according to a community announcement. Organizers said in the announcement that the event will focus on helping small- and mid-scale farmers develop agritourism businesses or add new revenue-generating attractions to existing operations. The conference theme is “Boosting Agritourism Strategies to Improve the Profitability of Family Farms.” “‘The possibilities are nearly endless. Enterprising agritourism operators are expanding their revenue sources by broadening attractions on their farms. This conference offers opportunities to learn directly from these successful operators,’” Prem Bhandari, UMES agritourism and value-added agricultural marketing specialist and conference chair, said in the announcement. The event is also intended for owners of farm wineries and craft breweries as well as tourism, economic development and agricultural industry professionals. Conference to feature speakers, workshops and panels Conference sessions will cover topics including marketing and branding, artificial intelligence tools for agribusiness planning, value-added attractions and