Spotlight on Southern Programs
Alabama Beginning Farmer: Alabama Extension’s digital curriculum designed to help new and emerging farmers establish their business now features a four part chapter discussing agritourism ventures. The Beginning Farmer Program “provides science-based information and consultation to beginning farmers, develops new educational resources, and sustains a statewide network of producers to strengthen the local food movement that is inclusive of low-resource farmers and military veterans” (Alabama Extension). Florida Florida Friendly Fishing Guide Certification: - Established by UF/IFAS, Florida Sea Grant and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Friendly Fishing Guide Certification “recognizes fishing guides who are committed to preserving the future of Florida’s fisheries through sustainable boating and fishing techniques. Florida Friendly Fishing Guides provide a richer fishing experience for their clients through their angling expertise and environmental stewardship. This online certification course covers science-based techniques that ensure minimal environmental footprint of fishing” (Florida Sea Grant).
Credit: Yanny Mishchuk
Georgia Coastal Awareness & Responsible Ecotourism Certification (CARE): Created in 2021 as a partnership between Georgia Sea Grant and Manomet, Inc., the Coastal Awareness & Responsible Ecotourism Certification program “provides ecotour companies with the tools to implement best practices when it comes to water-based tourism. Engaging ecotourism companies through a certification course will build support for conservation and stewardship of important habitats and wildlife on the coast” (Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant). Mississippi Gulf Coast Outpost Program: Lead by the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, the Gulf Coast Outpost program “is part of the Nature-Based Tourism Plan for Coastal Mississippi and recognizes businesses whose owners and operators are knowledgeable about the coast’s natural environment and work to foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation of its resources” (Mississippi State Extension & Mississippi/Alabama Sea Grant).
Credit: Mick Haupt
15 Extension Tourism: Impact and Opportunities of Land- and Sea-Grant Programming
extensiontourism.net
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