California Summit Focuses on Farm-Based Tourism
A bottle of olive oil. A glass of wine. A walk through a working ranch. For many California farmers, success today isn't just about selling what they produce. It's also about sharing the experience behind it.
This fall, San Luis Obispo County will host the 2026 California Agritourism Summit, organized by the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, or UC SAREP. Scheduled for Sept. 23 through 25, the event will bring together growers, ranchers, tourism professionals, policymakers, and economic development leaders from across the state. Registration is now open, with a link available at https://na.eventscloud.com/website/83086/
UC SAREP statewide agritourism coordinator Rachael Callahan says attendees will visit a diverse mix of operations, including an urban farm, a large cattle ranch, and an indoor mushroom-growing facility.
The summit comes at a time when agritourism is gaining increased attention in California. According to Callahan, legislation passed last year streamlined permitting for low-impact camping on private sites, creating new opportunities for agricultural landowners interested in welcoming visitors.
California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross says agritourism can provide additional income for farm families while helping consumers connect with the people and places behind their food.
