Please note: These resources are provided for informational purposes only. Each individual farm should independently evaluate its own needs and circumstances before making any decisions or taking action.
Educational Resources
Explore training and guidance to support agritourism program planning
- Agritourism Series:
• Pricing & Budgeting
• Community Involvement & Marketing
• Best Management Practices
• About Agritourism & Product Development
Lesson Plans
These curriculum resources align with classroom standards and support agricultural education:
- Commodity Associations (free lesson plans). For example:
• North Carolina Sweetpotatoes – Curriculum
• North Carolina Strawberry Association – Educational Resources
Infrastructure Considerations
Before hosting school groups, review your site for the following:
- Bus and vehicle parking
- Handwashing stations
- Restroom access
- Directional and safety signage
Additional considerations:
- Liability and insurance
- Emergency procedures and clearly marked gathering areas – safeagritourism.org
Community Partnerships
Local partnerships can strengthen and expand educational programming. Consider connecting with:
- Cooperative Extension
- Soil and Water Conservation District
- Local FFA and 4-H programs
- Commodity associations
- Master Gardeners and natural resource professionals
- Spookley.com
- Community organizations or businesses that may sponsor educational experiences or provide guest speakers
School Outreach
To promote field trips and build relationships with educators:
- Contact nearby school districts within a 30–45-minute drive
- Reach out to field trip coordinators, teachers, homeschool groups, and PTA leaders
- Consider hosting an educator preview event to help teachers experience your program firsthand
Building Your Contact List
Provide multiple ways for visitors to stay connected:
- A QR code linking to an email signup page
- Printed signup sheet, business card drawing, or giveaway entry forms
A strong email or SMS (text) list helps promote future field trips, seasonal events, and on-farm experiences.
Funding & Industry Resources
Explore grant opportunities and webinars that support:
- Agritourism infrastructure, educational programming, farmers markets, farm stands
Resource:
- Uplift North Carolina – Funding Resources
Know of a resource for educational fields trips that could be included? Please email erica.calderon@ncagr.gov , Agritourism Marketing, NCDA&CS. Revised August 2026.