Michigan State University Extension has opened registration for the 2026 Agritourism Summit, scheduled for May 14 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme. The event aims to cultivate opportunities through collaboration, innovation, and policy to support the state's rural economy. It will gather farmers, entrepreneurs, officials, and advocates to explore agritourism trends and share best practices.
The 2026 Agritourism Summit, organized by Michigan State University Extension, focuses on “Cultivating Opportunities Through Collaboration, Innovation and Policy.” Set for 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 14 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, the summit will bring together farmers, entrepreneurs, municipal officials, and rural advocates. Participants will explore trends in agritourism, share best practices, and build connections to bolster Michigan’s rural economy.
A pre-summit farm tour is planned for May 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., visiting agritourism sites in Antrim and Grand Traverse counties. Limited to 54 participants, the tour includes behind-the-scenes experiences and tastings at locations such as King Orchards Home Farm, Cellar 1914, Ethanology Distillery & Spirit House, Providence Organic Farm Market & Café, Short’s Brewing’s Elk Rapids Pull Barn, and Flintfields Horse Park. Tour registration covers round-trip transportation from the Grand Traverse Resort, lunch at Providence Organic Farm, local food and beverage samples, and entry to the evening welcome soirée.
The soirée, from 5 to 7:45 p.m. on May 13 at Flintfields Horse Park, will feature locally sourced food and beverages prepared by James Beard Best Chef Midwest Jimmy Schmidt, two complimentary drink tickets, live equestrian jumper demonstrations, an agritourism expo, and networking with industry leaders.
On May 14, the summit in the Tower Ballroom will open with a welcome address from Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross and a keynote from Dr. Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. The agenda includes panel discussions with Michigan agritourism operators and breakout sessions on topics like marketing, finance, farm stays, zoning and ordinance strategy, Michigan Right to Farm Act basics, and realistic agritourism scenarios. Coffee, a locally sourced lunch, and refreshments are provided.
Registration prices vary: the full program, including tour, soirée, and summit, costs $225 through April 1 and $250 after. Summit-only is $100 through April 1 and $125 after. The pre-summit tour and soirée package is $135 through April 1 and $150 after, while summit and soirée together cost $165 through April 1 and $175 after.
Current partners include Chateau Chantal, Clearesult, Michigan State University Extension, National Cherry Festival, Promote Michigan, Taste the Local Difference, Traverse City Tourism, Venture North, and Yen Yoga. Businesses interested in partnerships or sponsorships can contact berkeyj@msu.edu or visit the sponsorship page for more details.
