Registration now open for the 2026 MSU Extension Agritourism Summit
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EmailThe 2026 Summit will bring farmers, business owners, community leaders and tourism professionals together to explore collaborative strategies that strengthen Michigan’s agritourism economy.
Michigan State University Extension has announced details for its 2026 Agritourism Summit. This year’s theme — Cultivating Opportunities Through Collaboration, Innovation and Policy — reflects a commitment to supporting vibrant, resilient agritourism across Michigan. The Summit brings together farmers, entrepreneurs, municipal officials and rural advocates to explore emerging trends, share best practices and build meaningful connections that strengthen our state’s rural economy. Networking will also be encouraged as the purpose is to cultivate a community that encourages economic growth through the preservation of local agriculture.
The 2026 Agritourism Summit will be held at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme on Wednesday, May 14, from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Preceding the event on Tuesday, May 13, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., will be the Pre-Summit Farm Tour at multiple agritourism establishments across Antrim and Grand Traverse Counties, followed by a Welcome Soirée at Flintfields Horse Park.
Pre-Summit Farm Tour & Soirée: Tuesday, May 13
Join us for a one-of-a-kind, full-day immersion into Antrim County agritourism. Space is limited to 54 participants.
The curated Pre-Summit Farm Tour (9:00 a.m.–7:45 p.m.) includes behind‑the‑scenes experiences and tastings at:
- King Orchards Home Farm
- Cellar 1914
- Ethanology Distillery & Spirit House
- Providence Organic Farm Market & Café
- Short’s Brewing Elk Rapids Pull Barn
- Flintfields Horse Park (final stop & Soirée venue)
Tour registration includes roundtrip transportation from the Grand Traverse Resort, lunch at Providence Organic Farm, locally crafted food and beverage samples, and entry to the evening Soirée.
The Soirée & Networking Event (5:00–7:45 p.m.) at Flintfields Horse Park features locally sourced food and beverages with a menu cultivated by award-winning James Beard Best Chef: Midwest Jimmy Schmidt, two complimentary drink tickets, live equestrian jumper demonstrations, an agritourism expo and opportunities to connect with industry leaders.
Agritourism Summit: May 14
Held in the Tower Ballroom at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., the Summit includes:
- Welcome address from Ben LaCross, President, Michigan Farm Bureau
- Keynote from Tim Boring, Ph.D., Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
- Panel discussions with Michigan agritourism operators
- Morning and afternoon breakout sessions covering marketing, finance, farm stays, zoning/ordinance strategies, Michigan Right to Farm Act basics and realistic agritourism scenarios
- Coffee, locally sourced lunch and refreshments included
Full Agenda & Speakers: 2026 Agritourism Summit Agenda
Registration Options & Pricing
| Program | Dates | Early Bird (Until April 1) | Regular (After April 1) |
| Full Program: Farm Tour + Soirée + Summit | May 13-14 | $225 | $250 |
| Agritourism Summit Only | May 14 | $100 | $125 |
| Pre-Summit Farm Tour + Soirée | May 13 | $135 | $150 |
| Agritourism Summit + Soirée | May 13-14 | $165 | $175 |
Current partners and sponsors include:
- American Farmland Trust
- Black Star Farms
- Chateau Chantal
- Cherry Republic
- CLEAResult
- Grand Traverse Pie Company
- Greenstone Farm Credit
- Idyll Farm
- Leelanau Cheese
- Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
- Michigan State University Extension
- National Cherry Festival
- 9 Beans Row
- Promote Michigan
- Shorts Brewing
- Tandem Cider
- Taste the Local Difference
- Traverse City Tourism
- Venture North Funding
- Yen Yoga
Businesses and organizations interested in partnerships and/or sponsorships can email berkeyj@msu.edu or visit the Summit’s Sponsorship Page.
Agritourism encompasses entertainment and leisure experiences that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, strong family values and quality of life. Agritourism also focuses on finding the best route to encourage rural and regional economic development while preserving the landscape of each location. Agritourism cultivates strong local communities by connecting the tradition and heritage of a region’s inhabitants with the best options for economic growth.
