AGRITOURISM- PLANTING THE SEEDS OF SUCCESS.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -- The following information was released by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry:

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As the economic landscape continues to change in the state of Oklahoma, the opportunity to diversify for our agricultural producers also continues to change and grow. More producers are looking into utilizing their operations and facilities as agritourism venues which is helping to generate more income and simultaneously promote rural and economic development.

In order to facilitate the vibrant growth of agritourism, the Oklahoma Agritourism Program in conjunction with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department will be hosting the first producer workshop for 2011 at the Western Technology Center in Burns Flat, OK on January 19th.

"Planting the Seeds of Success" will include a day filled with producer focused workshops. Participants will be educated on Oklahoma Agritourism program offerings as well as resources that may be helpful for their operations. The sessions will include updates on the Oklahoma Agritourism Program as well as updates from the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

To address the ever growing presence of the world wide web, Brian Whitacre from Oklahoma State University will chair a session covering "Marketing on the Internet". Attendees can bring their own laptops or utilize computers provided to learn hands-on techniques to promote their businesses. Other topics for the day will include Organic Licensing and Egg Regulations, Funding Options for Agritourism businesses and success stories from businesses accredited through the Oklahoma Agritourism Association.

To learn more about the Oklahoma Agritourism program and how to register for the event please visit http://www.oklahomaagritourism.com/index.php?id=17 or contact Lori Coats the Western Oklahoma Agritourism Coordinator at (405) 420-9242 or lori.coats@oda.state.ok.us