The highly anticipated second annual AgriTourism Summit searches for more ways farm operations can increase revenue while welcoming visitors
Currently running in the vibrant Orange NSW region from 12 to 13 August 2025 with expert speakers and hands-on learning experiences, the dedicated AgriTourism Summit bringing together farmers, government leaders, and changemakers to explore the power of turning farm gates into front doors for visitors.
Following the success of the inaugural summit in 2024, organisers have increased the event capacity, with 200-plus delegates expected to attend.
The conference program is being curated by Claire Taylor, a Nuffield Farming Scholar from Scotland, who has relocated to Orange. With deep farming roots and a passion for advancing rural issues, Claire was involved in developing Scotland’s agritourism movement and is excited to help drive conversations forward in Australia.
AgriTourism Summit organiser Gary FitzRoy, who also runs his own agritourism operation offering on-farm accommodation, said: “We’re delighted to bring the summit to Orange after a fantastic inaugural event last year in the Southern Highlands.
“Orange is quickly establishing itself as one of Australia’s top agritourism destinations, making it the perfect location to explore how we can further develop this sector nationally and help farmers diversify their offerings.
“In Australia, where farmers face the daily challenges of climate extremes, agritourism presents a drought-proofing strategy and a sustainable solution for the future. However, developing and scaling the sector will require supportive government policy and a roadmap for growth.
“This year, we want to delve into how we can unlock agritourism’s potential, break through some of the barriers which exist and come up with a sector-led action plan to present to policy makers,” Gary FitzRoy added.
New to this year’s program, delegates will have the opportunity to attend breakout sessions,focusing on a range of relevant topics—from navigating red tape to building a brand in the agritourism space.
The first day will conclude with a ‘Welcome to Orange’ networking event at Banksia, one of the region’s premier venues, where local produce will be showcased for delegates to enjoy.
On day two, delegates will take part in immersive farm tours organised by destination marketing organisation Orange360, offering an opportunity to visit local agritourism hotspots and gain invaluable insights directly from those who manage and operate them.
The summit is supported by Destination NSW and Orange City Council, both of which recognise the growing importance of developing agritourism in boosting regional tourism.
Agritourism was identified as a growth opportunity in the NSW Government’s experience-led NSW Visitor Economy Strategy review and its 2035 target of $91 billion in annual expenditure.
Day one Summit speakers
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud outlined how he feared farmers would end up being the target of higher taxes and green and red tape, with the agriculture industry forced to bear the brunt of Labor’s ideology.
“Labor can ease the burden farmers are facing at its roundtable, starting with ditching its terrible new superannuation tax plan, which will target farms worth more than $3 million in self-managed super funds (SMSFs) and force farmers to sell their land, instead of passing it onto families,” David Littleproud expounded.
“Many families previously set up SMSFs as their future retirement and for succession planning, unaware Labor could come for their assets. Labor can’t even tell us how many primary producers, small and family business owners will be impacted.
“Less farmland means less supply, and when supply goes down, prices go up.
“What remains of farmland also risks being cut up with renewables or facing unwanted rules. Under Labor, we now have an extra 5,000 pieces of regulation. Labor must fix its reckless race to renewables and create an energy mix.
“We are concerned the Prime Minister and the Treasurer are building the ground for higher taxes on farmers and more union influence.
“Our farmers can’t afford to pay more or be taxed more, because input costs and material costs are already too much. Under Labor, electricity is up 32% and gas up 30%. Despite productivity gains, there is a cost squeeze, which impacts supply chains.
“The value of agriculture production is forecast to be $91 billion in season 2025-26.
“But Labor is stifling the inputs into agriculture, including creating worker shortages on our farms by refusing to reinstate the Agriculture Visa, while also failing to fix its unworkable Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme, which can’t get enough workers to get food from paddock to plate.
“When regional Australia does well, all of Australia does well. If Labor is serious about making life easier for our farmers, it needs to implement policies that will give farmers hope and confidence,” David Littleproud concluded.
Orange cherry farmer Fiona Hall explained how farmers are continuing to see their margins squeezed.
“The purpose of agritourism is to try and diversify our income stream so we are less dependent on volatile markets and the weather,” Fiona Hall continued.
“We’re working hard to innovate – bringing visitors to the farm, telling the story behind our produce and adding value locally, but these efforts can only go so far without supportive policy settings.
“Rising electricity, fuel, wages and compliance costs eat away at the gains we make.
“Agriculture underpins our regional economy. If farming becomes unviable, it flows on to local jobs, tourism and small business. We need policies that give farmers the confidence to invest and the tools to keep producing world-class food,” Fiona Hall concluded.
AgriTourism Summit Event Details:
Date: 12-13 August 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Orange, NSW
Registration: Visit www.agritourismsummit.org to book your seat and take advantage of early bird rates. Includes Morning and Afternoon tea, light lunch. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your agritourism business and connect with the leading minds in the industry. Secure your spot today and join us for a day of inspiration, learning, and growth.
Hear the day one audio here, click to play:
