Future Opportunities for Farm Retailing and Farm Cafes
Darts Farm
Darts Farm was established in 1971 by Ronald Dart in Devon, England. Today, his son Michael runs the business alongside his two brothers, James and Paul. Darts Farm is one of England’s largest agritourism enterprises with retail of produce from the farm, various farm cafes and restaurants, a wellness spa and a vineyard. Michael is a Nuffield Scholar, and in 2025, Darts Farm was recognised as the best large farm shop in the UK in the Farm Retail Awards and was also awarded the AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence. https://www.dartsfarm.co.uk/
Farmer Copleys
Rob Copley is the co-founder of Farmer Copleys, one of Yorkshire’s most celebrated farm retail destinations. Alongside his wife, Heather, he launched the farm shop and cafe on the family’s Ravensknowle Farm near Pontefract in 2003. What started as a small butchery has grown into a thriving business employing around 100 people, with a farm shop, the popular Moo Cafe, and seasonal experiences such as pumpkin and sunflower festivals that attract visitors from across the UK. https://farmercopleys.co.uk/
Balgove Larder
Will Docker is a director of Balgove Larder, located on the edge of the historic town of St Andrews, Scotland. Balgove Larder is one of Scotland's highest-rated farm shops with its own butchery counter selling meat from the farm and also houses a legendary Steak Barn, café and home store. Balgove hosts regular night markets throughout the year. All aspects of Balgove were founded by Will and co-founder Henry Cheape. Will was formerly a chef with experience in London through to the Arctic. www.balgove.com
John Stanley Associates
John and his wife, Linda, own the award-winning Chestnut Brae in Western Australia, a 1,000-tree sweet chestnut farm in the agritourism sector. John has become an expert on farm retail merchandising, display and layout and has mentored many business owners across the globe. John had been a consultant to farmers in agritourism and farm retail for 50 years and has clients in 35 countries on every continent where agritourism exists. https://johnstanley.com.au/
Farmer Copleys
Rob Copley is the co-founder of Farmer Copleys, one of Yorkshire’s most celebrated farm retail destinations. Alongside his wife, Heather, he launched the farm shop and cafe on the family’s Ravensknowle Farm near Pontefract in 2003. What started as a small butchery has grown into a thriving business employing around 100 people, with a farm shop, the popular Moo Cafe, and seasonal experiences such as pumpkin and sunflower festivals that attract visitors from across the UK. https://farmercopleys.co.uk/
Darts Farm
Darts Farm was established in 1971 by Ronald Dart in Devon, England. Today, his son Michael runs the business alongside his two brothers, James and Paul. Darts Farm is one of England’s largest agritourism enterprises with retail of produce from the farm, various farm cafes and restaurants, a wellness spa and a vineyard. Michael is a Nuffield Scholar, and in 2025, Darts Farm was recognised as the best large farm shop in the UK in the Farm Retail Awards and was also awarded the AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence. https://www.dartsfarm.co.uk/
John Stanley Associates
John and his wife, Linda, own the award-winning Chestnut Brae in Western Australia, a 1,000-tree sweet chestnut farm in the agritourism sector. John has become an expert on farm retail merchandising, display and layout and has mentored many business owners across the globe. John had been a consultant to farmers in agritourism and farm retail for 50 years and has clients in 35 countries on every continent where agritourism exists. https://johnstanley.com.au/
Balgove Larder
Will Docker is a director of Balgove Larder, located on the edge of the historic town of St Andrews, Scotland. Balgove Larder is one of Scotland's highest-rated farm shops with its own butchery counter selling meat from the farm and also houses a legendary Steak Barn, café and home store. Balgove hosts regular night markets throughout the year. All aspects of Balgove were founded by Will and co-founder Henry Cheape. Will was formerly a chef with experience in London through to the Arctic. www.balgove.com
Global Agritourism Conference Scholarship Programme Submission Guidelines
Call for Scholarship Applications are now open!
Are You Ready to Represent Your Country?
Representation is sought from across the globe for country and regional representatives to attend the Global Agritourism Conference 2026. It is hoped that all continents and many countries within them can be represented with one or more scholar attending the Global Agritourism Conference in June 2026.
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Up to 100 funded places are available for agritourism entrepreneurs who might not otherwise be able to attend. We are looking for leaders or leaders in the making who will use the experience to develop agritourism in their respective region and globally, after the conference.
Important Dates:
Call for Scholarship Applications Opens: 23 June 2025
Scholarship Application Submission Deadline: 31 October 2025
Notification of Scholarship Review Outcome: 28 November 2025
Who Should Apply?
The Global Agritourism Conference Scholarship Programme will support the development of leadership skills and knowledge while building strong life-long networks.
Particular focus will be given to:
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Individuals under the age of 40
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Individuals already working in the field of agritourism, either in a family business, as an employee or in related professions including farms, the supply chain, academia, policy and economic development
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Individuals who have demonstrated their desire to help grow agritourism in their country or local community
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Individuals who could not otherwise afford to attend the conference without support
What does the scholarship cover?
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One ticket for the three-day Global Agritourism Conference in Aberdeen, Scotland, which includes a day of core tours (Tuesday 23rd June 2026) and conference sessions on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June
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The Global Agritourism Conference Gala Dinner on Wednesday 24th June and lunch on all three days
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Dedicated scholarship networking and knowledge sharing session within the Global Agritourism Conference programme and online ahead of the conference
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An optional two-night stay with a Scottish Agritourism business following the conference with accommodation provided
What is not included in the scholarship?
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Flights to travel to Scotland
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Any transport during your time in Scotland
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Accommodation before, during and after the Conference
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Personal expenses incurred
Review and Notification of Acceptance
All applications will go through a review carried out by the Global Agritourism Conference 2026 Scholarship Committee.
Notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent to the submitter on 28 November 2025.
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Please note that this date is after the earlybird registration deadline, however unsuccessful applicants will be given an extended time to avail of the early bird rate. This will be included in your notification email.
If you have any queries regarding the above, or any aspect of the Global Agritourism Conference 2026 Scholarship Programme, please contact the Global Agritourism Conference 2026 Secretariat Team GAC2026@abbeyconferences.com