Re.Use.Full welcomed attendees from across the country for our latest Wednesday 101 Webinar! Alicia Ellingsworth from KC Farm School joined us to share KC Farm School’s agri-tourism efforts to increase food production for the community.
KC Farm School: Agri-tourism and Education
Alicia shared KC Farm School’s mission to inspire people of all ages through hands-on farming experiences and education, highlighting their success with 13,000 annual visitors. She emphasized their approach to agri-tourism by focusing on authentic community engagement and educational programs developed in response to community needs. Alicia also discussed their regenerative farming practices and the importance of following one’s passion, drawing from her personal experience in founding the farm.
Evolution of Agritourism Mission
Alicia discussed the evolution of their organization’s mission, highlighting a recent change from “empower” to “inspired” to emphasize uplifting and giving opportunities to others. She emphasized the importance of authenticity in agri-tourism and the organization’s focus on hands-on learning experiences on farms. Alicia also explained the difference between marketing and advertising, describing marketing as a more personal approach to reaching interested audiences. She concluded by discussing the organization’s use of social media to engage with their audience and refine their messaging based on feedback and insights.
Local Farm’s Community-Focused Marketing
Alicia discussed the farm’s marketing strategy, focusing on serving local communities by providing opportunities for children, healthy and affordable food, and gardening. She highlighted the importance of reciprocity and abundance in their operations, emphasizing that the farm’s success is built on sharing resources and receiving support in return. Alicia also talked about making the farm welcoming and accessible, including accommodations for food allergies and providing a safe, inclusive environment for visitors of all ages. She concluded by emphasizing the farm’s commitment to safety and friendliness, noting that staff and visitors take these values seriously.
Balancing Tech With Authenticity
Alicia discussed the organization’s use of tools and technology, including their website and social media platforms, to share their story and engage with the community. She emphasized the importance of balancing technology use with maintaining authenticity and personal connections. Alicia also highlighted the organization’s commitment to trauma-informed care and their efforts to make everyone feel safe and welcome.
KC Farm School Legal Preparations
Alicia discussed her journey of establishing KC Farm School, emphasizing the importance of taking action without fully knowing all the details and the value of having a co-founder with complementary skills. Alicia shared that participants must sign waivers and that the farm has various types of insurance, including product liability, liability for injuries, directors and officers insurance, and workers’ compensation.
Community Engagement Through Farm Zoning
Alicia discussed the zoning challenges and community engagement strategies for her farm, highlighting the importance of building relationships with neighbors through shared resources and regular updates. She noted that the farm is now zoned as agricultural, allowing for events and animal keeping without a house on the property. Alicia also shared experiences of hosting visitors from various backgrounds, including students, international visitors, and professionals, emphasizing the farm’s role in community engagement and education.
Watch the webinar below or visit our Webinars page to view this webinar and past Wednesday 101 Webinars.