Scotland prepares to host global agritourism conference

Global leaders in agritourism will gather in Aberdeen this June to explore the future of rural tourism, food and farm experiences. With international speakers and strong national support, the conference highlights Scotland’s growing influence in a fast‑evolving sector.

Taking place from 23–25 June 2026 at P&J Live, the inaugural event will bring together farmers, tourism businesses, researchers and policy leaders from across the globe. Around 1,000 delegates are expected, marking a significant moment for Scotland’s visitor economy and reinforcing the country’s position as a leading destination for agritourism.

The conference will showcase the diversity and rapid growth of the sector, bringing together global expertise and practical business insight. Through keynote sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities, delegates will explore key themes including sustainability, diversification, farm stays, food and drink, marketing and visitor experience.

This comes at a time of strong momentum across Scotland, with agritourism continuing to grow in value and scale, supporting rural businesses and responding to increasing demand for authentic, place‑based experiences.

The calibre of speakers and contributors reflects the global significance of the event. The programme will feature high‑profile voices from across the agritourism and wider agricultural sector, sharing real experiences of diversification, innovation and business development.

Among them is Lisa Hogan, co‑founder of Only Farmers and known for her work at Diddly Squat Farm, who will bring insight into modern farm diversification and building stronger connections between farming and the public.

The international perspective is further strengthened by contributors such as Pandurang Taware, widely recognised as a pioneer of agritourism in India, alongside global researchers and practitioners including Dr Carla Barbieri, President of the Global Agritourism Network, whose work focuses on the social and economic impact of agritourism.

Scotland’s own leadership within the sector is also strongly represented. Caroline Millar, Sector Lead for Scottish Agritourism, will contribute to key discussions on strategy and development, while Riddell Graham, Chair of Scottish Agritourism and former VisitScotland director, will play a central role in shaping conference dialogue.

Sessions will explore practical themes such as farm retail, accommodation, marketing and customer insight, alongside wider discussion on policy, sustainability and the future direction of the sector. International case studies and industry‑led conversations will provide delegates with a strong mix of strategic thinking and hands‑on learning.

This practical focus is reflected in sessions such as farm retail and hospitality, featuring leading operators including Will Docker of Balgove Larder, Robert Copley of Farmer Copleys (England), John Stanley of Chestnut Brae (Australia) and Michael Dart of Darts Farm (England) — businesses which have successfully combined food production with visitor experiences at scale.

There is also a significant level of national support behind the conference. Representatives from across the tourism and rural economy — including VisitScotland — will take part, with a clear focus on knowledge exchange, collaboration and strengthening Scotland’s position as a global leader in agritourism.

Senior government representation further highlights the importance of the sector, with ministers engaging directly with businesses to better understand both the opportunities and the challenges facing rural tourism.

High demand for the event reflects growing international interest in agritourism, as farms and rural businesses increasingly look to diversify and create more direct connections with visitors.

Ahead of the main conference, delegates will travel across Scotland on a series of pre‑conference learning journeys. These curated, behind‑the‑scenes visits are designed to provide practical insight into working farms and agritourism businesses.

Among the destinations included in these routes are Bonerbo Farm in the East Neuk of Fife and Balgove Larder near St Andrews, highlighting the role that Fife’s businesses play within Scotland’s wider agritourism offer.

Bonerbo Farm combines traditional agriculture with high‑quality accommodation, offering an experience grounded in the coastal landscape of the East Neuk. Balgove Larder, one of Scotland’s best‑known farm retail destinations, brings together on‑farm produce, butchery, café and events, reflecting a strong model of integrated food, farming and hospitality.

While part of a wider national programme, these visits demonstrate the quality and diversity of agritourism experiences being delivered across Scotland.

Across the country, more farms are embracing visitor experiences as part of their business model, creating new income streams while helping visitors connect more directly with rural life and food production.

The Global Agritourism Conference builds on this momentum, creating a platform for international collaboration, knowledge exchange and future thinking. Alongside formal sessions, delegates will take part in networking opportunities, an industry exhibition and cultural experiences celebrating Scotland’s food, heritage and hospitality.

As delegates gather in Aberdeen, the conference represents a significant opportunity to share Scotland’s expertise with a global audience, while learning from international best practice — reinforcing agritourism’s growing role in connecting people, place and produce.

Find out more

• Global Agritourism Conference
  https://www.globalagritourismconference.com/
• Scottish Agritourism – Conference announcement
  https://scottishagritourism.co.uk/cabinet-secretary-agritourism-conference/
• Pre‑conference Learning Journey (via Fife)
  https://www.globalagritourismconference.com/_files/ugd/705d57_cd791f4df51748a4aaab88c313d71533.pdf