University of Vermont surveying growers on visitor access

The University of Vermont (UVM) wants to know how American agriculture operations interact with visitors.

The university is polling U.S. ag operations on how they welcome visitors to their facilities.

The goal of the survey is to better understand how many U.S. agricultural operations welcome visitors for direct sales and experiences, including pick-your-own, farm stands, tours, overnight farm stays, and recreation. This information will be used to inform future programs and support, according to a news release.

The survey is conducted by researchers at the University of Vermont (UVM). It is expected to take participants about five minutes. Survey participation is voluntary and participants can discontinue at any time, according to the release.

 

All identifying information will be kept confidential by UVM. At the end of the survey, participants will have the option to include their businesses in a national Local Food Directory to help customers find food and farm activities. If ag operations select that option, the Local Food Directory team plans to follow up to collect more details about the operators’ business, according to the release.

The research study is led by Lisa Chase, UVM Extension professor and director of the Vermont Tourism Research Center. Those with questions can contact her at Lisa.Chase@uvm.edu or 802-656-7532.

“Be counted! If your farm, ranch, or agricultural business is open to visitors, please take 5 minutes to complete this short survey,” according to the release.

Visit here for more information.