Meeting higlights importance of agritourism in Angus

Graeme Dey is pictured with those how attended the meeting at Peel Farm.

Farm tourism and direct farm retail of food benefits not only the economy, but society as a whole. Agritourism is a well-used phrase internationally, but some might be more familiar with other terms such as farm stays, farm tours and farm shops.

The definition of agritourism varies from country to country. The Scottish definition is: “Tourism or leisure on a working farm, croft or estate which produces food.” Many farms and crofts also undertake direct farm retail of food and drink to local communities and visitors.

Scottish Agritourism is the official body for the agritourism sector in Scotland and was established in June 2020.

It brings together a strong and dynamic network of entrepreneurial farmers and rural businesses and offer a trusted peer-to-peer bank of knowledge and support.

Mr Dey attended an event at Peel Farm, situated at the foot of Glenisla, to mark Scotland’s first National Agritourism Month and raise awareness of the opportunities agritourism presents.

The occasion allowed Mr Dey to meet the entrepreneurial farmers and crofters driving the sector forward.

Commenting, Mr Dey said: “It was great to have the opportunity to spend an afternoon at Peel Farm celebrating the first Scottish Agritourism month.

"Agritourism is a large and growing sector is Angus and it was a pleasure to meet with so many local businesses to discuss how we can continue to promote all that Angus has to offer.”

Caroline Millar, Scottish Agritourism sector lead said welcomed the meeting, and said that the county is well represented within the organisation.

She said: “Angus has more agritourism businesses in the Scottish Agritourism network than any other area of Scotland so it was great that so many of our members came to Peel Farm to meet with Graeme Dey as local MSP.

“It was helpful to discuss a number of opportunities and challenges impacting the sector at a local and national level.

"Claire Fleming as our local destination leader was a great host and helped to facilitate the discussion.”