Developing Missouri Agritourism

People interested in developing tourism and promoting local food products will meet Dec. 9 in Hermann to develop plans and identify marketing opportunities in six Missouri counties.

Through its Missouri Regional Cuisines Project, University of Missouri Extension is working with producers and community leaders in the counties that make up the Missouri River Valley region: Montgomery, Gasconade, Warren, Franklin, St. Charles and St. Louis.

The meeting is a follow-up to an Oct. 27 meeting in New Haven. “At that meeting we covered project concepts, but now we are looking for specific input to set objectives and identify marketing opportunities for the region,” said Elizabeth Barham, project director and MU assistant professor.

The meeting agenda includes discussion of a fundraising initiative planned for February or March to support regional coordination, she said.Winery operators, food and agricultural producers, restaurant operators, bed and breakfast owners, craftspeople, artists, economic and tourism professionals, and elected officials are invited to the meeting from 2 to 5 p.m. at Hermann Hill Village, 165 Highway 100 East. A regional wine and food tasting is scheduled following the meeting.

“Marketing wine and food products using distinct labels of origin based on the region’s ecological features allows the consumer to distinguish among the unique tastes and attributes of products from different areas,” Barham said. “This identification of Missouri’s products will mean greater recognition and economic opportunities for our state’s food producers, tourism industry and rural communities.”The meeting and product tasting are free, but RSVPs are requested.

To RSVP or receive more information, contact James Vittetau at 800-769-4183 or james@visitjeffersoncity.com. For more information about the Missouri Regional Cuisines Project check out the website.