The Agri-Tourist, My Journey Back to Agriculture

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 99 of The Agri-Tourist Podcast, we’re continuing the conversation with Medway Community Farm—this time taking a deeper dive into one of the most unique and impactful parts of their operation: education. If you listened to Part 1 (episode 97), you heard how this farm is rooted in community, food access, and connection. In this second part, we build on that foundation and explore how they’ve created an education model that goes far beyond what you typically see on a farm.What makes this conversation so compelling is how intentional and layered their approach is. I’m joined again by members of the Medway Community Farm team.  First with Board Director Tina Wright and second with Education Director Marlee Blasenheim. Both individually share how the Medway education programs have evolved—from having very little structured education just a few years ago to building something that is now deeply integrated into the local school system and community. From early childhood exposure to hands-on growing experiences and beyond, this is education that grows with the learner.As you listen, I invite you to think about what’s possible when a farm fully embraces its role as an educational space. Because what Medway has created isn’t just programming—it’s a pathway for connection, understanding, and long-term impact. And for anyone thinking about agritourism or community-based farming, there’s a lot to learn from what they’ve built here.Medway Community FarmThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Agri-Tourist Podcast, I sit down with Peter Carlson of Wright Old School Chocolate to explore his journey from chocolate enthusiast to bean-to-bar maker. What began as a simple curiosity—sparked by family and a few eye-opening experiences—quickly evolved into something much deeper: a desire to truly understand chocolate at its source.There’s a quiet honesty in this conversation that I really appreciate. Peter shares what it actually looks like to step beyond being a consumer and into the role of a creator—the trial and error, the surprises, and the realization that something that seems simple… isn’t. From sourcing cacao to refining his process, his story reflects that moment so many of us have in food and agriculture—when appreciation turns into respect.As always, this episode is about connection. Connection to ingredients, to the people and places behind them, and to the process itself. It’s also a reminder that when you take the time to understand something more deeply—even something as familiar as chocolate—it can shift the way you see it entirely. And maybe, just maybe, it invites you to get a little more curious, too.Wright Old School ChocolateThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailOver the past few months on The Agri-Tourist Podcast, we’ve talked a lot about what it means to connect people to agriculture—but this conversation really brings that idea to life. In this episode, I sit down with Carol Collord and Haley Goulet of Medway Community Farm, a MA farm that is doing so much more than growing food. They’ve created something that sits right at the intersection of education, food access, and community—and it’s all rooted in a very intentional mission.What stood out to me in this conversation is how integrated everything is. From their school programming—where students are planting, growing, and harvesting—to their CSA models, farm stand, and food access programs, nothing is happening in isolation. It’s all connected. And that’s not easy to do. It takes coordination, vision, and a deep understanding of the role a farm can play in a community.As you listen, I invite you to think about what a “community farm” really means. Because this isn’t just about produce—it’s about creating access, building relationships, and giving people a tangible connection to their food. And when you start to look at it through that lens, you begin to see just how impactful a farm like this can be.Medway Community FarmThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailIn Farm Journal Episode 2 of The Agri-Tourist Podcast, I’m continuing the conversation—but shifting into a more real-time, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually means to build and evolve agritourism experiences. Coming off my time in Italy, where everything felt immersive and inspiring, I came back with a lot of ideas—but also a much clearer understanding of just how much detail and intention it takes to bring those ideas to life.This conversation is really about that space between inspiration and execution. From working through the logistics of building a farm tour and tasting experience, to stepping into the day-to-day reality of managing a farm store and identifying new revenue opportunities, it’s a reminder that none of this is as simple as it sounds. Every decision—from customer flow to product mix to how people experience your farm—matters more than we often think.As you listen, I invite you to think about your own operation, your own ideas, and where you might be in that process. Because whether you’re just getting started or you’re refining something that already exists, this is the part where things get real—and where the most meaningful growth actually happens.Nourse FarmOrto InfestaFattoria Majnoni GuicciardiniRosa di MaglianoThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailThis conversation brings us back to New Zealand and to a much bigger, global perspective of agritourism. In this episode, I reconnect with Marijke Dunselman of Agritourism New Zealand, who many of you may remember from Episode 14. This is very much a catch-up conversation—an opportunity to revisit her work, see how things have evolved, and hear what’s happening now both in New Zealand and across the broader agritourism landscape.What I appreciate about this conversation is how real it is about what it actually takes to build agritourism into something meaningful. This isn’t just about adding a farm stay or listing something on Airbnb—it’s about building a business, understanding your customer, pricing your experience, and navigating everything from marketing to health and safety. Marijke shares what she’s seeing on the ground, what farmers are asking for, and where the real opportunities—and challenges—exist today.As you listen, I invite you to think about agritourism a little differently—not just as an experience, but as a strategy. A way for farms to diversify, stay viable, and create something that connects people back to the land in a very real way. Because at the end of the day, that connection—that understanding—is what continues to drive this industry forward.Agritourism.nzThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailToday’s conversation takes us to the heart of Tuscany, where history, agriculture, and innovation all intersect in the most beautiful and meaningful way. I’m joined by Cesare Majnoni of Fattoria Majnoni Guicciardini, a family estate rooted in generations of farming tradition, yet deeply focused on the future of how we grow and experience food. Sitting between Florence and Siena, with views of San Gimignano, this is a place where you can literally feel the layers of history beneath your feet—and in the soil itself.In this episode, we go beyond wine and olive oil to talk about what’s really happening in agriculture today. Cesare shares his family’s journey from conventional farming to organic and regenerative practices, and what that transition actually looks like—the risks, the setbacks, and ultimately, the rewards. We dig into the importance of soil health, the unintended consequences of modern farming, and why what’s happening underground is just as important as what ends up on your plate or in your glass.We also explore the role of agritourism in reconnecting people to their food, their farmers, and the land itself. This is a conversation about slowing down, asking better questions, and understanding the true story behind what we consume. It’s thoughtful, it’s eye-opening, and it might just change the way you think about farming, food, and the choices you make every day.Fattoria Majnoni GuicciardiniSan GimignanoThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailWhen I sat down to talk with Janice Wright of Rooted in NC, I knew it was going to be a fun conversation — anyone who shows up to farms in rhinestone boots is clearly not afraid to stand out. And honestly, those glittery boots are more than just a fashion statement. They’re symbolic of exactly who she is: bold, authentic, grounded in agriculture, but bringing her full personality into spaces that don’t always expect it. She’s proof that you can walk through mud and still sparkle.Janice didn’t grow up in agriculture, which makes her perspective especially powerful. She learned it from the outside in — asking the questions, sitting in the rooms, listening to farmers who are often too humble to tell their own stories. And that outsider-turned-advocate lens is exactly what so many farms need. Because the average customer isn’t speaking “soil science” — they’re speaking curiosity, connection, and community.What really stayed with me is something she hears all the time: “I became a farmer, not a marketer.” And I understand that deeply. But Janice reminds us that marketing doesn’t mean becoming an influencer — it means becoming visible. It means showing up, telling your story, and inviting people in. Just like her boots, it doesn’t have to be stiff or polished — it can be real, a little sparkly, and completely you. And sometimes that authenticity is the very thing that draws people through the gate.Rooted in NCPodcast BlogThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailWhen I first interviewed Lisa Chase back in 2024 and episode 5 of the podcast, agritourism felt like an emerging conversation. Fast forward to today — over 90 episodes later — and it’s clear this isn’t just a niche sector. It’s a movement. Reconnecting with Lisa gave me the opportunity to step back and really reflect on how much has evolved — not just globally, but in how we’re all thinking about food, farms, and community.What struck me most in our conversation is how agritourism continues to serve as a bridge — between urban and rural, between consumer and producer, between policy and practice. At a time when the world feels turbulent and disconnected, farms are becoming places of grounding. They’re spaces where education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and wellness intersect in very real, tangible ways.Lisa’s work with the Global Agritourism Network reminds me that this isn’t just happening in Vermont or the United States — it’s happening in over 100 countries around the world. And yet, the core remains the same: people want connection. They want to understand where their food comes from. They want experiences that feel authentic. This conversation reaffirmed for me why this podcast matters — and why agritourism is one of the most powerful sectors shaping the future of food and travel today.Global Agritourism NetworkLisa Chase, UVM Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailWhen I sat down to talk with Michelle Johnson from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, I expected to learn more about seeds. What I didn’t expect was to walk away thinking about joy, legacy, and the future of food in an entirely different way. What started nearly three decades ago as 17-year-old Jere Gettle's handmade seed catalog has grown into a global movement — but at its heart, it still feels deeply personal. That sincerity came through in every part of our conversation.What struck me most was how intentional they are about preserving not just varieties, but stories. Heirloom seeds aren’t just plants — they’re living history, stewarded by families and communities for generations. In a world increasingly dominated by scale and speed, Baker Creek’s work feels like a reminder that biodiversity, flavor, and cultural heritage still matter. And that protecting them can actually be joyful.This conversation also challenged me to think about agritourism and storytelling differently. The festivals, the vibrant social media, the theatrical imagery — it’s not marketing for the sake of attention. It’s an invitation. An invitation to reconnect with food, with soil, and with the simple but powerful act of growing something yourself. I’m excited for you to hear this episode, because it’s about more than seeds — it’s about possibility.Baker Creek Heirlooom Seeds  Baker Creek Instagram Baker Creek Youtube Seed Savers ExchangeNational Heirloom ExhibitionRead more about the podcastThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailThis podcast started as my journey back to agriculture—and now, I’m actually living it.Over the past few years, I’ve been searching, learning, and having conversations with incredible people across this industry, trying to understand where I fit. And now, I’ve made the decision to step in—to take on a role at a farm, to move, and to fully immerse myself in this next chapter.I met Pattie Baker through this podcast, and one of her mantras is to, “trust the journey.” That’s exactly what this next series is about. Pattie is joining me to help guide these conversations as everything unfolds in real time—the decisions, the challenges, the uncertainty, and all the moments in between as I learn to trust where this path is taking me.This is the part of the journey where it gets real, where I continue asking questions, and start living out the answer in real life—and I’m bringing you along for the journey! Nourse FarmThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailWhen I first interviewed Kara and Matt from Rutter's Ranch in Episode 62, we talked about veteran farmers strengthening America’s food system. But in this follow-up conversation with Kara, what struck me most wasn’t just the growth of their programs — it was the depth of purpose behind everything they’re building. From Matt receiving the American Farm Bureau Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to launching a statewide Farms of the Brave Ag & Art Tour over Memorial Day weekend, their work continues to evolve in ways that feel both strategic and deeply personal.What really stayed with me was Kara’s reminder that “food security is national security” — and that for many veterans, agriculture is simply the next chapter of service. This isn’t about stepping away from serving their country; it’s about serving in a new way — through land stewardship, rural entrepreneurship, and community connection. Whether it’s Farmer Boot Camp, the new business plan accelerator, or reviving care farming programs to address veteran isolation, everything they do is rooted in relationships.This conversation reinforced something I believe wholeheartedly: farms are more than production spaces. They’re places of healing, leadership, and renewal. And when veterans lead that work, it adds an entirely different layer of meaning. I’m excited for you to hear this update — because what’s happening at Rutter's Ranch isn’t just growth. It’s momentum with purpose.Rutter's RanchFarms of the BraveAg & Art TourClick here to read about this interview with Kara RutterThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailWhen I think about my conversation with Susan and Nicole Asendorf of Hoshyla Farms, what stays with me most isn’t just the lavender — it’s the decision. The moment when selling the land felt easier… and they chose not to. On Long Island, once farmland is gone, it’s gone. Hearing Nicole say, “Once you sell something, you cannot get it back,” carried a weight that anyone connected to agriculture truly understands. This wasn’t just a business pivot. It was a stand for legacy.What moved me even more was the dynamic of three women and an 84-year-old grandfather working side by side to reinvent their family farm. There was honesty in the conversation — about fear, about learning curves, about irrigation powered by generators and watering plants from the back of a tractor. It wasn’t polished. It was real. And that’s what preserving farmland actually looks like.This episode reminded me that agritourism isn’t just about events or aesthetics — it’s about connection. Connection to land, to family, to community. Hoshyla Farms isn’t just growing lavender; they’re cultivating continuity. And in a region where blacktop spreads faster than crops, that matters more than ever.Hoshyla Farms2026 Lavendar FestivalHoshyla Farms InstagramThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailWhen I first interviewed Giany Guedjo, the Executive Director of Carolina Human Reinvestment, in Episode 43, we talked about faith, food security, and the early days of building a community garden rooted in purpose. In this catch-up conversation, I found something different — not just survival, but momentum. He joined me from his greenhouse on a cold morning, surrounded by vibrant greens and reblooming orchids rescued from grocery store discard piles. That image felt symbolic. What he’s building is about second chances — for land, for food, for families.Since we last spoke, his organization raised $96,000 at a farm-to-table fundraiser and paid off their $350,000 mortgage. But what struck me most wasn’t the financial milestone — it was his clarity. “My goal is not to end up selling from the garden,” he told me. “My hope is to keep feeding the ones that need it the most.” They’re serving nearly 200 families every two weeks, expanding school gardens, and now dreaming about a community hub with a teaching kitchen and space for nonprofits to gather.There’s one line that stayed with me: “The kids will show up no matter what.” That’s leadership. That’s responsibility. This isn’t just a garden anymore — it’s infrastructure for community health. And as you listen to this episode, I hope you hear not just a story of growth, but a blueprint for what’s possible when agriculture is rooted in mission, dignity, and long-term vision.Carolina Human ReinvestmentEpisode 43: Giany's Leap of Faith & Focus on Growing Food Impacts South Carolina ChildrenBistro 17Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailSome conversations feel especially heartfelt because they highlight not just a business, but a person stepping fully into who they’re meant to be. That’s exactly how I felt talking with Amanda Portis, the heart behind Assunta’s Food Truck at Nourse Farm. Amanda’s journey back to her hometown and into food entrepreneurship is such a beautiful example of how passion, timing, and a little courage can come together in powerful ways.What really moved me in this conversation is the why behind Assunta’s. Named after her great-grandmother, the food truck is rooted in family, tradition, and the belief that food is a love language. From casual comfort food at the window to her long-table farm dinners under the string lights, Amanda isn’t just cooking — she’s creating space for connection, conversation, and community.This episode is about taking a leap, honoring where you come from, and building something that brings people together around the table. Amanda’s story is a reminder that sometimes the path forward isn’t perfectly planned — it unfolds when you say yes to an opportunity that feels just right.Assunta's Food TruckNourse FarmThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailThere are some conversations that leave you thinking differently long after the recording ends — and my talk with Megan Neubauer was exactly that kind of conversation. I first interviewed Megan in episode # 6, and her perspective stuck with me, so reconnecting with her felt like catching up with someone whose work — and impact — has continued to grow right alongside the movement she’s helping shape.Megan has this incredible ability to zoom out to the big picture — the future of agriculture, the health of our soils, the role consumers play in shaping food systems — while still staying deeply grounded in the everyday realities of farming. Her journey, from growing up all over the world to building a pick-your-own farm in Texas, gives her a perspective that feels both global and deeply personal. What inspires me most is how she bridges worlds: farmer and educator, grower and storyteller, realist and optimist.This episode isn’t just about farming methods or business models. It’s about connection — to land, to food, and to each other. Megan reminds us that small farms matter, that the way we grow food has real environmental impact, and that ordinary people have more power than they think through the choices they make. I walked away from this conversation feeling hopeful, energized, and reminded why these stories — and the people living them — are so important to share.Please enjoy my follow-up chat with Megan Neubauer!! Pure Land FarmPick Your Own FarmingAcresThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailToday’s guest is someone who truly redefines what it means to travel with purpose. I was so inspired learning about the work Kimberly Haley-Coleman is doing through Globe Aware, creating opportunities for everyday people to step beyond traditional tourism and step into meaningful global service. Her journey started with a simple desire to give back while traveling — and it grew into a worldwide nonprofit connecting volunteers with communities across the globe.Through short-term, structured volunteer programs, Kimberly and her team make it possible for individuals, families, and even corporate groups to work alongside local communities on impactful projects — from improving housing conditions to supporting food security and accessibility initiatives. What I love most about her approach is that it’s not just about the work being done — it’s about cultural connection, mutual learning, and the kind of perspective that stays with you long after you come home.I can’t wait for you to hear how this model of service travel is changing lives on both sides of the experience, and why so many people come back from these trips feeling more connected, more grateful, and more inspired to make a difference in their own communities, too.  Globe AwareThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailToday’s guest is someone very special to me — my longtime friend, Jeanine Davis. We met years ago through our businesses and a shared love of learning, creating, and doing things a little differently. Over the years, I’ve had a front-row seat to Jeanine’s journey from busy Long Island life to a more nature-centered life in Pennsylvania, and through it all, one thing has always stayed the same: her deep curiosity about plants, wellness, and making things from scratch.Jeanine is one of those people who doesn’t just read about herbal remedies — she grows them, forages them, studies them, and then somehow turns them into teas, oils, salves, and even beautiful botanical art. Whether we’re wandering a farmers market, cooking in her kitchen, or walking through her garden identifying “weeds” that are actually powerful plants, I’m always learning something new from her. She has a gift for making herbal knowledge feel approachable, practical, and a little bit magical.In this conversation, we talk about how her personal health experiences sparked her interest in natural living, how moving to the Poconos gave her space to deepen that path, and how she’s now sharing what she’s learned through community workshops and classes for the “herbal curious.” I’m so excited for you to meet my friend Jeanine and explore the world of everyday herbal wisdom together.Jeanine's Herbal AdventuresJL Davis Design - graphic design companyHerbal OilsDitch the Drug Store ClassRosalee de la Forêt - Cold ClassHerbal Conference - BotanicwiseRanch Gordo BeansMountain Rose Herbs Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailEighteen months after our first conversation, we revisit Peacefield Farm Sanctuary with founders John and Emma Hoel to explore how this Florida sanctuary has grown not just in size, but in depth and purpose. In that time, Peacefield welcomed a new baby, new rescued animals, and even a multigenerational family dynamic as John’s parents relocated to the farm. What emerges is a picture of Peacefield as a living ecosystem—one where family, animals, and community are deeply intertwined, and where retirement, caregiving, and stewardship find renewed meaning.Located just outside Gainesville and close to the University of Florida, Peacefield thrives at the intersection of rural calm and college energy. Students regularly engage through volunteer days, yoga on the farm, and hands-on learning experiences that challenge traditional, productivity-driven views of animals. For future veterinarians especially, Peacefield offers a rare opportunity to care for animals whose value is inherent, not transactional—an experience that often leaves a lasting imprint well beyond logged service hours.Community-centered agri-tourism is at the heart of Peacefield’s sustainability. From vegan holiday gatherings that offer belonging during otherwise isolating seasons, to an on-site Airbnb that funds animal care while honoring the sanctuary’s values, everything is intentionally small-scale and mission-aligned. Their intimate plant-based cooking classes—hosted inside the Hoels’ home—have proven especially transformative, inspiring lifestyle shifts, deeper connection, and a sense of shared humanity in an increasingly disconnected world.Through stories of rescue, loss, resilience, and adaptation—from elderly animals aging peacefully to donkeys learning trust, and from hurricane prep to daily problem-solving—Peacefield illustrates what compassionate agri-tourism can truly be. Rather than scaling up, the future of Peacefield lies in doing more of what already works: shared meals, meaningful education, and genuine connection. It’s a powerful reminder that a sanctuary isn’t just a refuge for animals—it’s often a sanctuary for people, too.Peacefield Farm SanctuaryThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailI sat down with special education teacher Alanna O’Donnell to explore how urban farming, gardening, and raising chickens are transforming learning for students with significant disabilities at P177Q, the Robin Sue Ward School for Exceptional Children in Queens, New York. Alanna shares how her background in service and community work shaped a teaching philosophy rooted in empathy, real-world learning, and trust in student capability. When traditional classroom approaches fell short, she turned to hands-on, outdoor learning—starting with a school garden and eventually bringing chickens into the school community.The conversation dives into how caring for animals became a powerful educational tool. Through daily farm routines, students developed emotional regulation, communication, life skills, and confidence—often without realizing they were “learning” in the traditional sense. Alanna describes how students counted eggs, built coops, voted to name chickens, and learned to navigate both success and failure, including thoughtful conversations around loss. These experiences provided structure, purpose, and dignity, especially for nonverbal students and those who struggled with abstract instruction.The episode also highlights the broader impact of the program, from a student-run farm and micro-enterprise to statewide recognition at an agricultural competition—the first time special education students were invited to participate. While they didn’t win, the experience affirmed the power of inclusion, visibility, and high expectations. Alanna reflected on what this model reveals about education, food systems, and community, and why experiential, farm-based learning offers a compelling blueprint for preparing students with disabilities for life beyond the classroom.Chicks in the City InstagramNew York Ag in the ClassroomRobin Sue Ward School for Exceptional ChildrenFull Blogpost about the Podcast Interview with Alanna O'DonnellThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailHe is a nationally recognized biodynamic farmer, designer, entrepreneur, author, and educator. Daron Joffe—also known as Farmer D—was introduced to me by my friend Pattie Baker, who has long been inspired by his work and his mission.Farmer D is the author of the acclaimed book Citizen Farmers: The Biodynamic Way to Grow Healthy Food, Build Thriving Communities, and Give Back to the Earth, and for more than 25 years he has been designing and building community farms and gardens across the country.The Citizen Farmers movement is about far more than growing healthy food. It’s about how food—and the act of growing it—can transform ourselves, our communities, and our planet. Farmer D believes that each of us has the ability to create opportunity: to grow something, to compost, and to reconnect with the land in ways that benefit us physically, mentally, and emotionally.He also believes that thriving communities begin with a farm. In this episode, we explore the concept of agrihoods—neighborhoods intentionally designed to integrate farms into their foundation. It’s a powerful idea, and one I’m especially hopeful will continue to evolve with authenticity, inclusivity, and accessibility for people across all income levels.Farmer D’s work is also deeply rooted in his Jewish heritage, which has meaningfully influenced many of his projects and the way he approaches land stewardship, community, and purpose.Join me for an inspiring conversation with a true agri-entrepreneur—someone who has expanded his passion for farming in unique, far-reaching, and deeply impactful ways. Enjoy my conversation with Farmer D. Farmer DCitizen FarmersSerenbeCoastal Roots FarmNoah’s Ark Skirball Cultural CenterThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailShe’s a young, inspiring agri-entrepreneur—and the CEO and Founder of Change Food for Good. Her name is Samia, also known as Sam Lemfadli. Sam is a Brooklyn native and technologist with a deep-rooted passion for sustainable agriculture.She founded Change Food for Good, a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to making sustainable agricultural technology more accessible in communities affected by food insecurity. Let’s pause on that for a moment—a nonprofit dedicated to making sustainable agricultural technology more accessible to areas impacted by food insecurity.Sam recognized that technology is a key ingredient in feeding people, and she was driven to put those tools into the hands of individuals who want to learn, create, and innovate. Through her work, Change Food for Good motivates, inspires, and trains people to understand technology, build it, and invent new agricultural solutions—especially for urban environments.Sam saw an important need and stepped forward to fill it. To date, she has placed over 200 program graduates into jobs and continues to bridge technology and agriculture through several innovative, community-based programs.When I speak with people like Samia, I’m truly humbled by the depth and breadth of their vision—their foresight, their drive, and their willingness to take a leap of faith in pursuit of what they believe in. It reminds me of other changemakers I’ve had the privilege to interview, like Giany, Executive Director of Carolina Human Reinvestment, or Emily Stone, founder of Uncommon Cacao, who disrupted the global cacao economy.I think you’ll feel humbled and inspired as well. Enjoy my conversation with Samia from Change Food for Good.Change Food for GoodThe Knowledge HouseBrooklyn Supported AgricultureChipotle Cultivate Foundation Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailHer business is called Mandy’s Mushrooms - her name is Amanda Dye - and she is passionate about making the kingdom of Fungi more accessible to the general public through mushroom education.  Mushrooms are mysterious to me.  The more I read about  mushrooms and the more the world learns about mushrooms, the more we learn about the significant impact they have on controlling - actually managing and overseeing is probably the better word - managing and overseeing nature.  There is so much you can do in the kitchen with mushrooms, and there are so many mushroom varieties to experiment with.  Many people say that they don’t like mushrooms but I challenge you to try a recipe that contains some fresh, locally grown mushrooms- I think you might just change your mind. And then there are all the medicinal properties of mushrooms. That’s another whole world to explore.I have not gone on a mushroom forage as of yet - but it is something I intend on doing in the near future - maybe with Amanda at her new property in NY which we discuss!  Amanda is a young woman with a passion for mushroom agriculture - mycology - and I love people that are passionate about agriculture.  I get very excited for all the amazing things that Amanda is doing now and for all the amazing things that she will create in the future.  I hope you share in my excitement as we explore the world of mushrooms  - aka mycology!Mandy's MushroomsWorcester Common Ground (WCG)Mushroom ObserverInaturalistThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailIn the forward of his book, it states: “Growing Out Loud Captures the depth, breadth, height of a life that has loved and pursued knowledge, understanding, purpose, application, and service for the benefit of all and for the fulfillment of his god-given calling.  The Food Revolutionary has truly lived well.”  Keith Rashid Nuri is the author of Growing Out Loud, Journey of a Food Revolutionary.  I reached out to my dear friend Pattie Baker, telling her about the types of connections I wanted to make for my next set of podcast interviews - I wanted to really focus in on businesses and visionaries who are shaping agriculture - who are educating our future generation - who are tackling big food issues - and Pattie referred me to a few companies and people in her network down in Georgia.  She linked me to a website for a non profit called Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture. The work of this organization around education, growing in an urban setting, building community, agritourism and edutoursim was extraordinary.  But I didn’t want to speak to the people in charge now - I wanted to speak to the visionary behind all of this amazing work - Keith Rashid Nuri.  Before our interview I dove into reading his book - his inspiring journey literally around the world, from attending Harvard and Umass Amherst,  to working in ag in CA, Michigan, Georgia and Alabama, and then nationally and internationally with Cargill, a Big Ag for profit company, eventually working in a pretty big position during the Clinton Administration….and  - the culmination of all of his studies, experience and travels  - creating the Truly Living Well Center for natural urban agriculture in Atlanta GA.  . This interview with Rashid is powerful.  It is blunt. It is telling. And it is purposeful.  Above everything that Rashid and I discussed, his integrity and sheer willingness to do what was right resonated with me the most.  I am so excited for you to listen to my conversation with Rashid and take away the learnings that resonate the most with you and your life….The Nuri GroupThe Atlanta Local Food InitiativeChinatown - History of California's WaterThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailToday’s guest is a filmmaker, community builder, and aspiring farmer who happens to be based right near me in Brooklyn — Maxine Simone Williams. Maxine uses storytelling, farming, and community engagement to illuminate how culture, food, and relationships shape our lives.I first discovered Maxine on Instagram. I come across countless amazing farming-related posts, but Maxine — a brilliant, young, and inspiring woman — immediately caught my attention. I wanted to dig deeper into her story and her mission. She is a true wealth of resources, and what I love most is that she doesn’t just share information; she demonstrates the power of these (often free!) community resources by showing up, participating, joining in — and then sharing her experiences.I learned so much from this interview — not only about local community offerings, but also about how a single plant, like cotton, can carry deep emotion, generational pain, and historical significance. At the same time, growing cotton today can also create space for healing, growth, and a sense of moving forward. Maxine opened my eyes to that.I hope you enjoy this episode, and I encourage you to check out Maxine’s Instagram and YouTube. As I told her during our conversation, I can’t wait to join her one day in her community garden or on one of her NYC field trips. Enjoy my conversation with Maxine.Maxine's InstagramMaxine's Youtube Channel (How We Grow Series)Leah Penniman, Farming While BlackNYC Community Compost Network - Master Compost CertificateMaya Stansberry, Deep RoutesDirt to Soil, Gabe BrownSoul Fire FarmThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailSo everyone should know my good friend Pattie Baker by now…author of Round America with a Duck and most recently Round Ireland with a Duck.  Pattie has become such a dear friend and has encouraged me to continue trusting the journey…and so I have!  It was Pattie’s inspiration that made me consider WWOOFing. (World Wide opportunities on Organic Farms)  And when I thought about where I would want to WWOOF, Italy just popped into my mind….so that is where I put my energy…. researching farms throughout Italy  from the WWOOF Italy website, and ultimately connecting with Gianfranco and Nino from Orto Infesta in Marsala Sicily.Like everything in life, we can’t know whether our WWOOFing selections will turn out the way we imagine in our minds.  Obviously we end up painting a certain picture in our minds of farming in Sicily. There is always so much to consider when selecting a WWOOfing destination.  And at some point, you have t just take the leap of faith and just go for it…and that is basically what I did during my WWOOFing journey.  Upon returning, Pattie couldn't wait to chat with me about my adventure in Sicily. I recorded our conversation which basically was her interviewing me about my WWOOFing experience. I really loved her questions and I thought it would be a great opportunity for people to hear about my experience from a slightly different perspective.  Enjoy my conversation with a true inspiration, Pattie Baker….Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailThis is the 2nd interview I did while in Sicily.  This interview is with a dear friend Helen Cane Tarpinian.  Helen and I reconnected recently around the same time I was researching WWOOFing farms in Italy and landed an opportunity in Marsala, Siciliy, about an hour south of Helen's Terrasini home. When I arrived at the Palermo Airport on Oct 11, 2025, Helen picked me up and we went back to her beautiful home in Terrasini Sicily.  The bedroom I stayed in the first night had a view of the water and of the majestic Sicilian sunset.  Mountains on one side of her home and water views on the other.  She was also steps away from jumping into the Mediterranean waters.  What a paradise.Helen is an American living part time in Sicily. Her husband Vincenzo is from Sicily.  So, her perspective of Sicily and my small perspective from the 12 days I spent there became a conversation that I wanted to capture for the podcast.  One story that we somehow forgot to talk about in the podcast - as there were so many stories to cover - was Rossalini’s farm tour and Italian farm to table lunch  in Terrasini.  Rossolini not only has a farm - he is also growing several tropical fruits not normally grown in Siciliy such as papaya and avocado - but he is also growing coffee.  Of course I had to ask about cacao - and he actually did try to grow it, but they were hit with a frost and it didnt’ survive….but he is determined to try again!  I definitely want to connect him with Jeff from Moka Origins - not only about the cacao but also the coffee!!The farm tour was amazing - we tasted our way through - and then we sat down for a real authentic Italian farm to table meal - 3 courses - plus wine…and more wine…and an after dinner cocktail made from passion fruit grown at the farm - accompanied by authentic italian music and singing….Although I knew few words….i could feel the sense of family, connectedness and joy during this festive gathering.So Join Helen and I as we explore my first few days and last few days in Siciliy - which were filled with more family, more delicious meals, visits to historic city streets, markets and churches, hikes, majestic scenery, gelato, cannoli and much love and connection.  It was amazing and unforgettable.A Special thank you to Helen, Vincenzo, and Anthony for graciously welcoming me into their home and making me a part of the family!   This is jen ross, your agritourist podcast host.  Enjoy my interview with Helen from Terrasini Sicily.  If you enjoy the podcast, subscribe, share and comment!  Ciao! Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailCiao from Marsala, Sicily….and my first WWOOFING experience.  I did it!  I signed up for WWOOF Italy and found an amazing farm in Marsala, Sicily to spend a week volunteering.   The farm name is Orto Infesta - run by Gianfranco and Nino. I have never felt so welcomed and so instantly part of a family as I did with Nino and Gianfranco.Gianfranco and Nino are building something very special at their farm….a place for people to visit, learn, volunteer, and mangia…a place for people to purchase local, organically grown fruits and vegetables.  A place where kids can come and learn.  And a future agritourism destination where visitors to Marsala can connect and experience real food. During my WWOOFing experience we harvested and boxed vegetables and fruits.  I was also so fortunate to visit them during Olive Harvest season - so we spent many of my days at the different olive tree farms.  And, after those harvests, we brought the olives to the oil production facility to see our hand picked olives turned into some of the best, most delicious and certainly most authentic olive oil in the world….from olive tree to table in its purest form!As I mentioned to Nino and Gianfranco, some of my favorite times took place at our daily meals.  A time for sharing and connecting…whether at the home table or sitting under an olive tree.  That’s where the real Sicilian magic happened…as people from different parts of the world came together as a family.  I have to make a special mention to Antonia, Gianfranco’s mom.  She knew very little English and my Italian is extremely minimal…and although we could barely communicate in our languages - we communicated with plenty of hugs, kind expressions, and by helping with simple kitchen and home tasks.  And that was just enough to build a forever bond with this amazing woman.This trip was so meaningful to me on so many levels.  This is one of 2 podcast interviews from my visit to Siciliy that you will hear…and now the 2 reasons that brought me to Siciliy are also connected because of this trip.  Once again…thank you Nino and Gianfranco…for all that you have given me….especially your innate kindness,  your authentic desire to give… to me, to all of your visitors and to your community. Orto Infesta InstagramThe One Straw Revolution by Masonobu FukuokaMarsala VacanzeOrto Infesta FacebookThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailI know we’ve gone rogue, off the normal podcast schedule.  And it feels kind of  liberating in a strange way!  But it’s also given me the opportunity to reset a bit.  I haven’t completely figured out how I want to approach the Agri-Tourist Podcast going forward, but it’s given me some time back and will allow me time to test some things out.One of those things is doing a video edit along with the audio edit.  I’ve avoided that mainly because of the time it takes to do all the editing.  But for some select interviews I am going to make the time and add a video podcast to the mix.  And we are going to do that for this interview….my interview with Pattie Baker, author of a few books - 2 in particular being Round America with a Duck in which I interviewed Pattie back in Episode 20 - and her newest book Round Ireland with a Duck!Pattie was a real inspiration for me when I read her Round America with a Duck  book…then we spoke and that inspiration came alive…and then she went to Ireland and wrote a 2nd book about her amazing experiences.  These books are not just about WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) - they are about a woman who is trusting her journey -a woman who is truly present in the moment - a woman who values interactions with people she encounters at every moment of her life - taking notice of things that most people just breeze by or ignore.And throughout this journey, Pattie’s personal and family challenges surface…along with hearing the extreme challenges of many of the families she resided with during her stays. When you are WWOOFing or living and working with strangers, it reveals a lot about yourself to yourself and it reveals a lot about the stories of the people you are spending time with.  Pattie uses those experiences to really look at herself, her raw self…and has learned to truly  trust the journey each and every day.  Enjoy my deep dive around Ireland with Patty Baker and her bike mascot, Disco the Duck!  Link to Video Podcast with Pattie BakerRound Ireland with a DuckAgri-Tourist Podcast - Round America with a Duck  Agri-Tourist Podcast - WWOOF Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailThis is a special episode for many reasons.  We hit 70 episodes last week!! I can’t believe how fast 70 episodes went by - 70 weeks of my life and yours!!!  This episode will be highlighting -  very briefly -  the top 3 most listened to podcasts.  And what do I mean by highlighting them - I am pulling out some of the most meaningful sections - the part of the conversation that left an impact on me…and hopefully left an impact on you too!  But I am also using this time to say a few words about going forward.  I value each and every person who has taken the time out of their lives to listen to these conversations.  That truly means the world to me.  As I truly valued the time that my podcast guests took out of their lives to spend some time with me and talk to me about all that they do…and also open up to me about their personal stories.  It’s come time to pause, evaluate and take in everything that I learned….not a permanent pause but an interruption and change to the normal schedule going forward.  As a marketer consistency is critical. So, yes,  I am breaking one of my very own marketing rules.  But sometimes rules just need to be broken!  I will be doing pop up podcasts on an irregular basis - there are some that are planned for the near future that will take place.  But, for many reasons, I decided it was best to pause the weekly monday podcasts and mix it up just a bit.  So why I am taking this pause? My youngest daughter just started college….for those who have experienced this….I know that I don’t need to say another word…I know you deeply understand.  For those who haven’t yet or have not experienced this….it’s definitely a pivotal time of reflection and change.. A time of questioning a lot of things.  And a time of new beginnings….all of which are very frightening and super exciting at the same time.  The last 70 weeks of inspiring conversations have somewhat prepared me for these next steps…for these changes….so I thank every person who entered my life for the last 70 weeks…every one of you came into my life for a reason..and I value each and every one of you. And most importantly, for your own health, for the health and well being of our local farmers, and for the well being of our Earth….please make every effort to shop your local farms! Thank you for listening and hopefully you will stick around for what’s to come in the future…. here are the top 3 podcasts that you listened to the most...A Chocolate & Coffee Agri-Tour Adventure with Moka Origins CEO Jeff AbellaA Plant-Based Visit to Florida with Emma & John Hoel of Peacefield Farm SanctuarySkip the Farmers Market and Learn How to Profit from a Pick Your Own Farm with Megan NeubauerThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailWe have all heard about the impending cuts that will be impacting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - also known as SNAP.  SNAP is  a food program that provides assistance to more than 40 million people across America and also provide income to farmers who are able to accept SNAP.  The program impacts 2 sets of people  - those in  need of assistance AND the farmers that feed them.  Today’s conversation is with Amy Crone - founder of The Farmers Food Assistance Bureau (acronym is FFAB).  FFAB is a nonprofit organization formed with the mission of working with ALL federal nutrition benefits programs as well as all financial transactions to simplify them for farmers.When I was farming, we were part of the Farmers Market Nutrition Program in NY.  A farmer had to apply to be part of the program, get accepted and then go through training on how to facilitate the program and reconcile with NYS on a regular basis to receive reimbursement.  It was a time-consuming process, especially for a farmer who needs to be out in the fields.  So when I heard about what Amy was doing through FFAB and specifically with the MarketLink technology she created to help farmers get setup and utilize these food assistance programs with the use of an app, I was so interested to learn more.  Amy’s commitment to giving more farmers the ability to easily enroll and use these food assistance programs is commendable…and it is having such a tremendous impact to the recipients of these programs and to the farmers who are now able to support these programs.   MarketLinkFarmers Food Assistance BureauThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailToday’s conversation is with an old friend, someone who’s been with me since my days in corporate america, has known my kids since they were really young, and someone who has been an active agritourist with me along my journey.  His formal name is Thomas Chandler Werbe III, but I call him Tim!  Tim and I were recently reflecting and reminiscing about many of our adventures together - many of which have been focused on agriculture, farming, education, and plenty of outdoor activities.  Actually, I was in awe as we chatted up a storm about all that we have experienced and explored over the past 20 years….so many fun adventures, so many educational experiences, and so many funny moments!  So, without further ado, check out a special conversation between Tim and I while we highlight some of our inspirational agri-adventures over the past 20 years!  Thank you Tim for sharing all of these memories with me!  Fishkill FarmsStone Barn Center for Food & AgricultureHobbs FarmFoundation HouseNew York Botanical GardenVersailles FarmBeaverkill Valley InnFor Farm Movement - Dana DiprimaLittle Bean Farm & PantryTim Werbe ArtThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailLuis Angel Mendez’s journey at Red Tomato began 21 years ago. In 2001 Angel met Michael Rozyne, Founder, and Kate Larson, former Operations manager.. Michael and Kate were searching for two things, warehouse space, and a warehouse manager!  The potential Angel saw in Red Tomato outweighed any possible risk, he saw this organization was brand new, cultivating its path into the future. This was meaningful work. Angel took a leap of faith and joined Red Tomato as a warehouse manager. Red Tomato was developing a supply chain prototype project from a simple but powerful idea: bringing together the people who grow food directly with the people who eat the food. While it sounds straightforward, many systems get in the way of that direct connection and create a lot more costs. Angel quickly learned to handle over 50+ fresh produce items, organic and conventional. He began to learn much more about farm economics and agricultural science.  He started to see the powerful connection between food, agriculture, and food systems.  After years of learning the business, Angel is now the Executive Director of Red Tomato. Angel is a Boston native and a father of four. Angel grew up in a low-income family and prides himself in helping others, especially those in need. The more he understood his work, its impact, and its ability to be the vehicle to change food systems, the more intrigued and excited Angel became at Red Tomato!  One of Angel’s most important projects - his baby - is the Bypass Project.  The Bypass Project launched in 2021 in collaboration with Reos Partners, Connecticut farmers, and community food distributors in Bridgeport and Hartford. The Bypass Project determines how to “bypass” traditional systems so that everyone’s needs are met:Communities get access to affordable, healthy foodGrowers receive fair prices for their produceDirect relationships are built between farmers and communitiesTransportation and logistics costs are reducedLearn more about Angel’s journey and the Bypass project  is now expanding throughout the US.  Red TomatoThe Bypass ProjectThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailDana DiPrima is supporting hardworking small & mid-sized American farmers with small actions that have a big impact. She believes, and I wholeheartedly agree with her, that when farmers win, we ALL win.  I found Dana’s podcast, One Bite is Everything, on  Apple Podcasts a few months ago.  I have been an avid  weekly listener.  Dana is tapping into many of the same themes that I have been hearing from farmers….and, although our podcasts and personalities are different, our missions, passions and overall goals are very similar.I reached out to Dana to interview her for my podcast as I wanted to explore the feedback that she was hearing from farmers and food businesses.  She responded right away and we set up a date and time.  From that correspondence, she let me know about her non profit - the for farmer’s movement - and directed me to her website.  And, of course, I linked over and started reading about all the amazing initiatives she has going on. I came across a farm to table dinner fundraiser that she was hosting in the Catskills in upstate NY.  So I called my friend Tim - who is usually up for a new adventure - and we signed up!  A few weeks later I found myself in the Catskills at the historic Beaverkill Valley Inn (known for being the home of fly fishing) on a beautiful Saturday evening, chatting it up with inspiring supporters and dedicated farmers while savoring a farm to table dinner!  These types of experiences leave a profound imprint on me, especially because of the new connections that are made and the opportunity to experience a new farm community in the Catskills.  Enjoy my conversation with Dana DiPrima from the One Bite is Everything Podcast and please take her message to heart -  do something to impact a small farmer today….we can all do something…it’s as easy as donating $1 or shopping at a local farmers market or farm one day per week.  Every bit (or bite) counts! One Bite is Everything PodcastFor Farmers MovementThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailAbout 3 years ago, Mike & Ray founded Toasted Oysters… a venture that started over some research and a couple of backyard drinks.  And one that is also a part of the Farmer Veteran Coalition.  I have to admit, Until we spoke, I didn’t really understand what an oyster farm really meant - that it was a physical farm location in the water where the farm owners grow oysters.  Sounds intuitive, but the physical boundaries of the farm are hard to fathom.  After 3 years of oyster farming in the Great South Bay off southern Long Island, NY, Mike and Ray are doing a phenomenal job growing high quality and very desirable Blue Point Oysters.  And they are also thinking about integrating agritourism to their business in the future, providing a water experience that exposes all that they know about oysters and oyster farming, including all the other aquatic life that surrounds them.  Enjoy my conversation with Mike & Ray. Toasted OystersToasted Oysters on InstagramFarmer Veteran Coalition Billion Oyster ProjectThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailI can’t resist a great conversation about chocolate and cacao farming. I had the pleasure of interviewing someone I met at the beginning of her cacao journey, a real powerhouse and innovator at the time whom I met on my first chocolate trip to Belize - the one with the howler monkeys and the jungle cabana!  Emily Stone came on the cacao scene in Belize in 2010, made a tremendous impact to the lives and livelihood of cacao farmers in Belize and 15 years later is now running a much larger, global, certified B, Public Benefit Corporation. Her company, Uncommon Cacao, is a specialty cacao trader, sourcing from 10,000+ smallholder producers across 15+ countries and supplies cacao to hundreds of chocolate makers globally.Across Uncommon Cacao’s businesses, the company has pioneered a new cacao economy that pays farmers more and is grounded in real partnerships that deliver improved stability and success for all. Uncommon Cacao works with all kinds of cacao buyers and chocolate makers as a problem solver and innovation partner. They promise to provide reliable quality cacao products accompanied by Transparent Trade data and stories from their cacao sourcing relationships, and drive transformative supply chain solutions for cacao producers and chocolate makers.We rarely get a chance to see someone at the beginning of their journey and then get to reconnect with them 15 years later…. and get to talk about the extraordinary impact of those 15 years, wtih much more to come in the future.  Emily’s story is impactful. Her drive is contagious.  And her desire for transparency, equity and justice is admirable and will hopefully inspire the next set of Emily Stones to step up and tackle the many needs that exist in today’s world.  Thank you Emily for all you do,..and continue to do to help farmers! Uncommon CacaoThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailFarm Trails was founded in the 1970’s to connect the public to local farmers, ranchers, producers and purveyors in Sonoma County CA and is still aligned with the same mission and going strong in 2025. Over five decades ago, a group of forward-thinking farmers blazed trails in Sonoma County, creating a map & guide for local agriculture, inviting the public to meet their farmers and learn more about the origins of their food. These pioneers also produced the Gravenstein Apple Fair to celebrate the heirloom apple and Sonoma County’s rural traditions. This was back in 1973, before the advent of Farmers’ Markets, CSAs, and campaigns to shop locally. Over the years, their  “North Star” has remained the same: Farms Forever in Sonoma County!Carmen Snyder is the Executive Director of Farm Trails.  She made her way from the Carolinas to California many years ago and consistently reflects on the mission of Farm Trails. A recent trip overseas required her to be very creative in trying to identify ‘farm to table’ cuisine.  Upon her return she realized that what Farm Trails offers is a way to access the best of the food and food events of Sonoma County - something that is not as easily identified when traveling in different areas of the US and abroad.  Join Carmen and I as we explore the impact of Farm Trails which I consider a significant marketing opportunity for Sonoma County farmers.  Also, learn about how the Gravenstein Apple has helped Farm Trails thrive and how Farm Trails has kept the Gravenstein at the forefront of the Sonoma County community. Farm TrailsThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailOne of my best trips ever….exploring Costa Rica…with my youngest daughter Abby…for her 18th birthday and High School graduation!  This past April, Abby and I embarked on an adventure to Costa Rica….packed with ‘fake’ volcanic eruptions, ash clouds, rainforest hikes, stray dogs, serendipitous moments, magnificent sunsets, a cacao farm tour, chocolate and coffee tasting, delicious, clean, local meals, howler monkeys, the Pacific ocean, waterfalls, and so much more…. Taking it all in was not enough!  I needed to debrief on this amazing agritourism adventure with my youngest on the podcast!  I wanted to capture these moments forever on audio. Join Abby and I as we banter about our first-time adventures together in Costa Rica!  Enjoy my conversation with Abby! La Leona WaterfallArenal Volcano National Park Don Juan Chocolate & Coffee TourATV Tours Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailI had the opportunity to interview 2 extremely dedicated and super insipring people who are veterans, farmers, educators, PHd students, and mentors for so many veterans who are considering a career in farming.  This is career #2 for both of them. But Why did they pick Farming?With one-third of American farmers over the age of 60, there is a critical shortage of individuals entering the agriculture industry. At the same time, there is a  record number of veterans experiencing  unemployment, PTSD, suicide, and other challenges that naturally follow almost two decades of sustained war.​Matthew and Kara Rutter, discuss their journey into farming post-military and why they are on a mission to increase the number of farmers while helping their fellow veterans.  Matt & Kara have created a few business models all focused on helping veterans get into farming and successfully stay in farming including Project Victory Gardens, Farms of the Brave, Farmer’s Bootcamp which is like a mini shark tank experience for wannabe farmers, Rutter’s ranch which is their own for profit farm business, and there are also projects that have been born out of their PHD pursuits in agriculture.  Matt & Kara are connected to Jeanette Lombardo from  Farmer’s Veteran Coalition, the Global Agritorusim NEtwork and Will Culler from Clemson U who coordinates  the ag and art tours in South Carolina.  Join me as we learn more about how Matt & Kara are motivating our veterans to pursue all sorts of careers in farming. Farms of the BraveRutters Ranch Project Victory Gardens Farmer BootcampFarmers Veteran Coalition South Carolina's Ag & Art Tour Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailOn Agri-Tourist Episode #4 we hosted Shelby Watson-Hampton, author of Grace, Grit & Lipstick and co-owner of Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Maryland.  I was heading down to South Carolina and my half way point was Maryland.  I reached out to Shelby to see if she would be available to connect at her vineyard on a specific evening and, lucky for me, she was available, and so were 10 other local farm women and entrepreneurs.  Shelby created an evening of wine, charcuterie, book discussion, connection and mini podcast interviews. Part II of our visit to Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards begins with my interview with Jennifer Harris who manifested her way from a farm in Washington State to Washington DC. Jennifer has always asked, “what is behavior change and how does communications play a role in that? “ Hence, her career has been in Communications within the government sector focused on agriculture and the environment. Next I interviewed Sydney Garner who grew up on a 3500 acre, generational,  conventional family grain farm that grew corn, soybeans and wheat. These products are not direct to consumer products and get a bad rap at times.  Sydney taught us about how her farm works to ensure that their farming and production doesn't  impact the local Bays. Caroline Trossbach was born and raised on a 4th generation Maryland farm. She is an Agricultural development specialist supporting farm businesses in her county. We had a great discussion about the evolution of farmers markets and ultimately why farmers are turning more to agritourism. Lastly, I interviewed Shari Bryant. Shari’s love for horses started when she was a young girl.  Shari built a career in accounting, but she knew her life would involve horses. She launched FoxFire Farm where they do horseback trail riding paired with wine tasting at the next door vineyard…this is such a creative agritourism venture.  Shelby’s Book - Grace Grit & LipstickRobin Hill Farm & VineyardsSouthern Maryland Agricultural Development CommissionFoxFire FarmThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailOn the Agri-Tourist Episode #4 we hosted Shelby Watson-Hampton, author of Grace, Grit & Lipstick and co-owner of Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards.  I was heading down to a wedding in SC and my 1st stop was Maryland. I always say that I want to visit and connect in person…and I really do mean it.  I reached out to Shelby to see if she would be available to meet at her vineyard.  She was available, and so were 10 other local farm women and entrepreneurs.  Shelby created an evening of wine, charcuterie, book discussion, connection and mini podcast interviews.  Next is a series of mini podcast interviews with some inspirational farm women.  First up is Susan Watson White, co-owner of Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards and Shelby’s Aunt!  During Shelby’s interview, we spoke a lot about her Aunt and the leadership role she took on at the farm when her father/Shelby’s grandfather suddenly passed away.  Next up is Tasha Dickerson.  She is new to Shelby’s farm group but not new to growing.  Many will relate to her story, her desire to get into farming, and her practical thinking about how she needs to approach this passion and journey.Next you will meet with Mika Palmer who grew up in farming and now is part of her husband’s hay and straw business.  We sometimes just say that someone grows hay…but we don’t  stop to think about what that really means...it’s a lot more intricate than we make it out to be.Amy Crone is the next interview.  Among the many things that Amy does, she is helping to feed Americans!  The need for what she is doing and the impact of what she is doing is extraordinary!  Enjoy my conversations with each of these amazing women and check out next week's episode for Part II of my visit to Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards! Shelby’s Book - Grace Grit & LipstickThe Farmed LifeRobin Hill Farm & VineyardsPalmer Farms LLCSouthern Maryland Agricultural Development CommissionHops Scratch FarmMarketlink.orgThe Farmers Food Assistance BureauThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailShalom Farms is a nonprofit working together to build healthy communities by growing and sharing healthy food. The food they grow is distributed through their network of programs and partnerships in communities where access to healthy food is limited.Shalom Farms is the evolution of the work of the United Methodist Urban Ministries of Richmond (UMUMR) which has a long history of social service work in Richmond VA. In 2009 UMUMR started a pilot project growing food on just half an acre at Westview. As the impact of the project quickly became clear, the organization decided to focus exclusively on food access work and eventually changed its name to Shalom Farms.In 2016, they relocated their primary growing site  to a larger, more accessible 12 acre farm in only 20 minutes west of Richmond. And they have since added a second five-acre site in Richmond’s Northside. This expansion has allowed them to evolve from distributing just a few thousand pounds of produce a year to local food banks, to a comprehensive range of food access programs and strategies that serve over 10,000 community members annually.What makes Shalom Farms so unique is their focus on Providing meaningful access to healthy food which is at the heart of everything they do.  So What does "meaningful access" mean?Fresh produce is always affordable for individuals of all income levels.Fresh produce is available, easy to find and easy to get to with convenient and consistent hours of operation.Fresh produce options reflect what community members are familiar with and wish to feed their families.Consumers have access to the tools, information, and recipes needed to enjoy fresh produce.If any of these components are missing, then access is limited and it is not considered meaningful access. I had the pleasure of speaking with Änna Ibrahim, Executive Director of Shalom Farms.  Anna’s diversity of career knowledge, experience, and exposure to food access and equity issues, led her to this unique role as the ED of Shalom Farms.  It was like the job was crafted just for her.  And her husband intuitively knew that as soon as he saw the job post!  Enjoy my inspiring conversation with Anna.Shalom FarmsImproving Health by Embedding Produce Prescriptions (PRx) into Healthcare PracticeThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailWe did not grow apples at my farm.  So during apple season we would purchase apples to have available for our customers.  Finding organic apples was impossible so after some research we found Eco Certified apples from Fishkill Farms - a farm that was about a 2 ½ hour drive from us.  However, it was worth the trip to stock up on healthier, more sustainably grown apples. At the time I read about the Eco Certification and it sounded in line with our values.  But I have to say that I didn’t fully understand why I couldn’t find organic apples, similar to the certification that we find in the grocery stores.During a podcast interview with the manager and orchardist from Scott Farm  in Vermont, the Eco Certification came up again…they were an eco certified apple farm.  And that was when I learned that apples east of the state of Washington pretty much can’t successfully be certified and grown organically.  Why can’t they?  Well we explore these reasons  in my interview with Michael Rozyne, Founder of Red Tomato, the organization that oversees the Eco Certifiication program for apples and peaches.  Funny thing is that the Eco Certification is actually tied to Meryl Streep. And… you will have to listen to the podcast to learn more about that intriguing story. Turns out that Red Tomato is not just focused on their Eco Certification program but they are also a food distributor, marketing and education powerhouse, and have recently launched an innovative supply chain project to address food access and affordability.  Join Michael and I as we explore how Red Tomato came to be and has evolved to support the changing times.  Enjoy my conversation with Michael!  Red TomatoScott Farm/Orchard, Vermont - Podcast EpisodeThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailMolly Comstock is now overseeing Many Forks Farm. Many from the Berkshires know her as the owner of Colfax Farm.  Molly’s passion and tenacity for farming and to be a farmer definitely comes through in her story. And her story has a significant focus on the issues surrounding farmers and land access Molly didn’t own her land and had to move her farmland and business a few times.  And, for a farmer who invests in their soil and farm infrastructure  and invests in  building a presence and feeding their local community , it’s not easy to find new land and just start over.Land access and the ability to find a property that provides security to a farmer has become one of the most significant barriers to entry for farmers and wannabe farmers in America.  Molly’s story is very interesting and takes you on her journey around finding land, land that she can actually feel secure on and build a long term business on, land that she knows will remain farmland well beyond her… My conversation with Molly is an important one as it is a real story,..and it serves up the complexities around leasing vs. owning farmland..and offers alternatives and opportunities for farmers today. Join me in exploring Molly’s story. Many Forks FarmColfax FarmBerkshire Natural Resources CouncilBerkshire Community Land TrustGreen Acres Summer CampsThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailMy conversation with Jim Sanders, farmer from Wildflower Lane Farm in NC, was far reaching.  HIs idea around having food advocacy groups who are purchasing produce from retailers and wholesalers shift those funds to pay local farmers to grow for them, has had a tremendous impact on many non profits in the North Carolina area. Another one of the non profit organizations that Jim’s idea has reached is called PORCH.  PORCH fights food insecurity by creating sustainable hunger relief programs at the local level. Started in 2010 in Chapel Hill, NC, PORCH has grown into a repeatable model of monthly neighborhood food drives and fresh produce distribution supplying food pantries, schools, and community programs across the country. PORCH’s volunteer network of 50 chapters in 12 states, has contributed more than $12 million dollars in hunger relief.Porch’s flagship program called PORCH for Pantries consists of running monthly neighborhood food drives to supply non-perishable goods to local food pantries and families in need.  Porch has now  introduced PORCH Fresh which supplements the non-perishable goods with milk, eggs, meat, fruits and vegetables, and uses local farms like Jim’s to support this need. I had the pleasure of speaking with Nora Dicker, the Program Manager for PORCH Hillsborough and learning more about how they are connecting and collaborating to impact food security.  Enjoy my conversation with Nora!  And, again, I just want to thank Jim Sanders - as his idea around shifting funds to local farmers to supply local veggies and fruits has had such far reaching impacts… and I am hopeful that these interviews further impact that reach…. Porch CommunitiesPorch HillsboroughThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailJim Sanders, farmer from Wildflower Lane Farm in NC, had an idea about growing vegetables and finding a distribution partner for those vegetables.  In my podcast interview with Jim (podcast episode 54), he  told the story about walking into the office of a non profit called TABLE and proposing his idea to the women in the office. What struck me about that story was the fact that those women listened and took action immediately.  They were open to Jim’s idea and took him up on his offer to visit his farm, invest some funds, and take the risk that this could lead to a great opportunity for the people their non profit serves.In 2006, Joy MacVane began leaving homemade cookies on the sidewalk of her downtown Chapel Hill home for UNC-CH students walking to campus. A year later, she began leaving notes by the goodies inviting students to stop by her house to bake desserts for the nearby soup kitchen. A dozen students showed up to make and deliver cakes. They discussed how much they enjoyed serving at the homeless shelter, expressed interest in local community service and identified hungry kids as a special priority. MacVane shared that concern and learned that there were no weekly food assistance services specifically for children at that time in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area. In late 2007, she and several of those original students incorporated Table Ministries, Inc., now known as TABLE.Since  its start in 2008, TABLE has offered “a place at the TABLE” to increasing numbers of local children. Thanks to generous donations of food, funds, and time by campus and community supporters, TABLE has quickly grown.  And now, thanks to Jim’s idea, TABLE Is able to serve fresh, local healthy vegetables and fruits to local children. I wanted to speak to the woman, the decision maker, who listened to Jim’s idea on that day when he casually walked into the office and was open to exploring the opportunity with him.  Ashton Tippins, was that woman!  Enjoy my conversation with Ashton Tippins. TABLEWildflower Lane FarmThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailJim Sanders, an environmentalist and farmer, is the owner of Wildflower Lane Farm in North Carolina.  Jim has some great stories about how he came into farming and his fun and not so fun experiences with trying to build a farming business. All along, Jim knew and was reminded by some friends, that there had to be a better way, a more sustainable way.Jim decided to take another approach to feeding local people. The existing system made small scale farming frustrating and difficult.  But what if the money factor were removed from the business model? Jim came up with an idea that would enable him to do what he loved – growing food for people – while removing it from the business cycle that was proving to be unsatisfying. He would do this by shifting non profit funds used to pay for fresh produce from wholesalers and retailers to local farmers who would grow for them.  He walked into the office of a local non profit called Table, explained his concept, and asked them to try it out with him.  The Executive Director of TABLE, who you will hear from directly in an upcoming episode, after a little due diligence, was open to Jim’s idea, shifted some funds his way, and took the leap of faith.  Ultimately, this decision reaped so many positive benefits for Jim, Table, and, most critically, the community members that TABLE serves.  Every year, TABLE has shifted more funds to growing with local farmers vs. purchasing produce, demonstrating the strength and impact of Jim’s concept.  In addition, other organizations have also adopted a similar approach by shifting their funds  to work with farmers and local producers  like Jim. I am grateful that farmers and creative thinkers like Jim who are willing to walk through that door and put their ideas out there.  Jim’s idea has had a direct impact on food security in North Carolina and beyond. This is also a testament that existing local organizations can and should collaborate and join forces, shift funds to local sourcing, and ultimately increase access to nutritious food for everyone. Enjoy my inspiring conversation with Jim Sanders. Wildflower Lane Farm - Growing food for local kidsTABLE - feeding local kidsPORCH - setting out to fight hungerThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailSo this is my 53rd episode…the 1st episode of Season 2 of the Agri-Tourist Podcast!  This episode is Part 2 of my interview with Marisa about coming full circle.   I have learned so much during the course of this year…and not just about farming and agriculture… I learned so much about life, about love, about passion and dedication, trusting the journey, making every day count, and about taking that leap of faith.And I learned all of this from over 50 amazing people from all over the world.  So this episode, along with Part 1, #52, are dedicated to the amazing, inspirational and passionate individuals who allowed me into their lives, their businesses and to become a little part of their journey.  Thank you for all you do!Join my trusted and dear friend Marisa and I as we continue to explore the last year together and venture into Year 2!  Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailSo this is my 52nd episode…Part 1! One whole year of podcast episodes…and I have to say that I learned so much during the course of this year…and not just about farming and agriculture. I learned so much about life, about love, about passion and dedication, trusting the journey, making every day count, and about taking that leap of faith.And I learned all of this from over 50 amazing people from all over the world.  So the next 2 consecutive episodes are dedicated to these amazing, inspirational and passionate individuals who allowed me into their lives, their businesses and to become a little part of their journey.  Thank you for all you do! Join my trusted and dear friend Marisa and I for the next 2 weeks as we explore the last year together!  Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailWhen I became aware of The Farmer Veteran Coalition, I just had to learn more.  The Mission of Farmer Veteran Coalition is Mobilizing Veterans to Feed America. They are cultivating  a new generation of farmers and food leaders, and developing viable employment and meaningful careers for veterans. They believe that veterans possess the unique skills and character needed to strengthen rural communities and create sustainable food systems. And, most critically, they believe and have demonstrated that agriculture offers purpose, opportunity, and physical and psychological benefits. Farmer Veteran Coalition is providing our American veterans opportunities to grow food in America and ultimately feed Americans. I am so moved by the mission and work of this organization. Founded by Michael O’Gorman in 2008, O’Gorman believed deeply in American Agriculture and that it was ready to provide great opportunities for the men and women who had put their life on the line for our country.In November, 2014 the Coalition sponsored the first Farmer Veteran Stakeholders Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. One memorable moment at the conference was a podium shared by ranking members of the USDA, Department of Labor, Small Business Administration, Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs.   For the first time ever, five key departments of the Federal government were sharing ideas about a critical, yet previously ignored, sector of those returning home from service. The  vision for the future is an organization that will be around for decades, in every state and continuing to unite the agricultural sector – government, education, private industry, conventional and alternative farming and the veterans themselves.  It will no longer be important to know how and when they began, but that they will be there, offering assistance to all those who chose to serve their country twice – once by defending it and once by feeding it.I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Jeanette Lombardo, Executive Director of Farmer’ Veteran Coalition who was selected from ver  300 applicants and has served the mission of this organization for over 5 years.  With a minimal staff, she and her team work to transition veterans into agriculture. Jeanette and her team work tirelessly with over 350 organizations to help fulfill the Coalition’s mission. Enjoy my conversation with Jeanette Lombardo…and spread the word about this amazing organization. Farmer Veteran CoalitionHomegrown By HeroesThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network

Send us Fan MailMeg and Laura founded Full Well Farm located in Adams, MA in 2018.  Meg was brought up on the farmland they are now farming on. When chatting with Meg about their background, there seemed to be an initial resistance to farming and becoming a farmer.  However, the pull to being outside every March was too hard to resist.  And the pull to developing a business that provided access to healthy food was also too much to resist.  Hence, although there were some twists and turns along the journey, the evolution of Full Well Farm was inevitable. And I am certainly grateful for that and am sure the local northern Berkshire community is as well.Meg and Laura have grown a farm with a focus on CSA, or community supported agriculture with both vegetables and flowers.  Full Well Farm is also supporting several food access organizations that have figured out ways to fund their farmers while feeding the community. To quote Meg and Laura about their farm: “​Community drives everything we do at Full Well Farm. Our business model is rooted in social justice and the belief that everybody has the right to high quality produce. As a LGBTQIA+ and women owned farm, we strive to create a safe space in our community for all identities.”This is a very important time to listen to our farmers, figure out how you can help support their sustenance and growth, and take the necessary action to do just that.  When it comes to Full Well Farm, check out their CSA options and sign up today! Enjoy my conversation with Meg, one of the founders and farmers from Full Well Farm. Full Well FarmApply to the Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) ProgramThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network