Agritourism in Maine: Findings from the 2024 National Agritourism Producer Survey
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
12:00 noon via Zoom
Join Extension specialists to explore findings from a recent national survey of agritourism operations via this free webinar
Jason Entsminger (University of Maine) and Claudia Schmidt (Penn State) share key findings from the 2024 National Agritourism Producer Survey, exploring both challenges and opportunities within the industry, in Maine. Their discussion highlights findings on Maine’s agritourism environment and support system, regulatory and resource challenges, and opportunities for developing Maine’s agritourism destinations.
Panelist Biographies
Jason S. Entsminger is an Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and State Extension Specialist for Small Business at the University of Maine. His research focuses on entrepreneurial ecosystems, rural economic development, and food value chains. He explores how businesses leverage networks, institutional environments, and collective strategies for success. Dr. Entsminger teaches courses on new venture creation and small business management, emphasizing practical applications for rural entrepreneurs. His work supports economic resilience by bridging research and outreach to enhance small business success. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the University of Missouri.
Claudia Schmidt is an Assistant Professor of Marketing and Local/Regional Food Systems at Penn State University. Her research focuses on agritourism, direct-to-consumer markets, and value-added agriculture, helping farmers develop sustainable diversification strategies. She leads Extension education programs that support agritourism operators, food entrepreneurs, and policymakers in strengthening local food economies. Dr. Schmidt’s work addresses financial, marketing, and regulatory challenges in small-scale agriculture, providing data-driven insights to enhance farm viability. She has been recognized for her contributions to agritourism research and outreach, including the development of the Penn State Agritourism program, which connects producers with critical business resources.
To learn more, download data briefs in this series:
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Jason Entsminger at jason.entsminger@maine.edu or 207.581.1999 by May 7. Requests received after this date may not allow sufficient time to make necessary arrangements.
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