In 2006 the Flint Hills RC&D started the Flint Hills Agritourism Business Development and
Support Project.  The primary goal for the project is to train and assist farmers, ranchers, and
other entrepreneurs to develop or expand an agritourism or related business. 

Through fiscal year 2010 the project has accomplished much.  We have;

• Trained approximately 150 students through the “Agritourism: Your Next Cash Crop”course
• Created 47 new agritourism businesses  
• Informed over 200 people about the agritourism industry and the opportunities to have or
• expand a business.

In addition, Jan has assisted many people by meeting on their farms to evaluate the resources
they have, determine pricing for what they want to do, and to strategize on how to get that “first”
customer.  

A Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) from USDA Rural Development is currently the
primary source of funding for the project.  In addition, revenue to sustain the program comes
from registration fees to attend the “Agritourism: Your Next Cash Crop” course, workshop
registration fees, and contractual fees to provide educational services outside the Flint Hills
RC&D area.  Additional technical support and partners include the Kansas Small Business
Development Center and Kansas Department on Commerce.