Scholars
A key part of the Global Agritourism Conference 2026 is the global scholarship programme which is enabling more than 30 scholars from countries all over the world to attend the Global Agritourism Conference. Participants and their home countries will benefit from international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
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Global Agritourism Scholars have been connecting online and getting to know their fellow scholars through a series of Zoom meetings with the Scottish Agritourism team and Julia Latto, Scottish Enterprise, who is leading on the programme
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Global Agritourism Scholars have the opportunity to attend the Royal Highland Show with tickets for Scholars very kindly provided by RHASS. There will be a reception for Scholars at the show
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Scholars will visit Barra Castle, home to a thriving agritourism enterprise, for a farm tour and a development workshop
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Scholars will attend the Global Agritourism Conference including the Gala Dinner
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Three scholars have been asked to present on their experiences as a scholar in a Global Agritourism Conference Breakout Session
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Following the three day conference, 20 scholars have opted to stay with a Scottish Agritourism member on their farm to learn more about the sector and the host business
Manager, Zgara Bushtricë Agroturizëm
Kevin Lashi is the founder and visionary leader of “Zgara Bushtricë,” agritourism, one of Albania’s most renowned rural gastronomy destinations. Born and raised in Bushtricë village, he has built a successful agritourism model that blends traditional Albanian cuisine with the region’s warm hospitality. Under his leadership, the restaurant has become a landmark for visitors from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, offering delicious dishes made from local products in a welcoming, family-style atmosphere. Kevin is known for his dedication to preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development in his local community. He has played an active role in organizing the “Bushtricë Mountain Festival,” transforming it into a celebration of rural identity and nature-based tourism. Through his vision, “Zgara Bushtricë” is a bridge between tradition and innovation in service of rural progress. Every dish served reflects Kevin’s passion for authenticity, quality, and love for his homeland.
Director, Lush Lychees
Krystal Caton is a farmer, educator, and advocate for economic diversification in agriculture. Together with her husband and their three children, she owns and operates a 9,000-tree lychee orchard in Central Queensland, Australia, along with dryland crops, hay production, and seasonal crops such as watermelon. Their farm also supplies cracked grain to the local community, showcasing how diversification builds resilience. Krystal is a 2025 Nuffield Scholar, researching economic diversification for family farms, with agritourism forming a key focus. Her research is taking her around the world to explore innovative models that enhance profitability, resilience, and stronger connections between producers and consumers. On their orchard, Krystal has developed seasonal agritourism experiences, including farm gate sales and pick-your-own days, giving visitors the chance to enjoy fresh fruit while learning about sustainable farming. Passionate about sharing knowledge, Krystal hopes to inspire other family farms to explore agritourism and diversification opportunities. She is committed to using her experience to help grow sustainable, profitable, and community-focused agribusinesses across Australia.
Farm Hand, Carinya Station
Izzy Mallouk is 16 years old from Lightning Ridge in outback NSW, Australia. Her dad is an opal miner, and her mum is a swimming instructor who also works at the local school. She has a rich cultural heritage. Her dad is Lebanese/Egyptian, and her mum is Dutch. Her mum grew up on a farm and has a real connection to farming and the land, whilst her dad is a passionate opal miner. Her parents have always encouraged her to travel, work hard and learn as much as I can from the people around her. Two years ago, Izzy started working at Carinya Station Farm Stay, where no two days are the same. Some days she is cleaning glamping tents or helping with farm jobs, and other days she is welcoming guests, checking people in, or chatting to travellers from all over the world. She really enjoys meeting new people and learning their stories, while also sharing what life is like in the outback. Working at Carinya has shown her how tourism and farming can go hand in hand, and it’s inspired her to think about future opportunities in agritourism.
Assistant Manager
Natallia Barysenka, PhD and Associate professor from Belarus. Natallia was born in Minsk, Belarus, and graduated from the Belarusian State University in 2009 with a degree in Management, specializing in international tourism. She subsequently earned a master's degree and completed her postgraduate studies at the same institution. From 2009 to 2015, she served as a project manager for the NGO "Country Escape," which focused on developing agroecotourism in Belarus. Since 2013, she has dedicated her work to addressing the accessibility of tourism for people with special needs, including those with disabilities.
Marketing Manager, Chatsworth Farm
Charlotte Wasylik grew up on her family’s mixed farm in northeastern Alberta, Canada, and now also farms nearby with her fiancé Rob, who is originally from Scotland. Together they raise sheep and poultry while Charlotte remains actively involved in her family’s farm, where they grow and raise cattle, grains, hogs, and poultry. Passionate about agritourism and connecting people with where their food comes from, Charlotte plans and manages on-farm events like Alberta Open Farm Days, which this year welcomed over 650 visitors from across Alberta and beyond. She also leads in-person and virtual farm tours and manages her farm’s growing farm-to-table program. Through social media, she shares authentic farm-to-table stories and everyday farm life, from caring for livestock and preparing customer orders, to cooking the meats the farm raises. She’s been named one of Canadian Western Agribition’s Top 50 Most Influential People in Canadian Agriculture, received Alberta Farm Animal Care’s Award of Distinction for Communication, and was recently named as a finalist in the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders mentorship program. She has a background in event management and has worked on major agricultural events including the World Simmental-Fleckvieh Congress, Farmfair International, Canadian Western Agribition, and Agri-Trade Equipment Expo.
Phd Student, University of Alberta
I am a PhD student at the University of Alberta, Canada, focusing on agritourism and rural community development, with a background in geography. My research explores how agritourism can support local economies and strengthen rural communities in Alberta. I am especially interested in developing practical, evidence-based approaches that help farmers and rural entrepreneurs build sustainable and viable businesses. Having grown up on a farm, I developed a deep connection to agriculture from an early age. This personal experience continues to shape my passion for farming and rural life. I have also volunteered on farms across Canada, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges within the sector. Through both my academic work and practical engagement, I aim to contribute to the growth of agritourism as a pathway for rural development and community prosperity.
CEO, MHK Vision Groupe
Marina Estelle Kazimo Ndoumba was born on May 10, 1989, in Bouar, Central African Republic. Coming from a family that values perseverance and solidarity, she overcame numerous challenges from a young age, including the loss of her mother, which confronted her with early responsibilities and the need to support herself while pursuing her educational ambitions. Driven by a deep commitment to the social, economic, and environmental development of her country, Marina Estelle is the founder of MHK Vision Group, a company specializing in construction, agribusiness, wedding planning, and green economy initiatives, demonstrating her management, innovation, and leadership skills. She is also the creator of AJORA RCA, an NGO dedicated to education, protection, and empowerment of orphans, young mothers, and vulnerable children in the Central African Republic. Her vision is to develop future leaders and create tangible opportunities for underprivileged children and youth by combining education, vocational training, personal development, and sustainable, environmentally friendly practices. Marina Estelle is recognized for her resilience, organizational skills, and humanitarian commitment, making her an ideal candidate for scholarships supporting innovative, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious leaders.
South Region Coordinator, Hope Land Congo
Pascaline Mwenge is a chemist by training with a specialization in environmental management. Over the years, she has strongly anchored herself in the field of agriculture, combining her scientific background with practical community and entrepreneurial initiatives. She currently serves as the Vice-President for Administration at the Provincial Youth Council of Haut-Katanga, where she works to mobilize and inspire a large part of the youth to engage in agriculture,agritourism, and environmental protection. She believes agriculture is not only a means of food security but also a powerful tool for employment creation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. Pascaline is also an active member of the Bulongo Agricultural Cooperative, which is deeply involved in promoting local farming systems, as well as a partner in various governmental and regional programs. Her journey has taken her to several international platforms, including the Pan-African Youth Summit in Nairobi and the Agrotour International program across the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and the sub-region. Through Hope Land Congo and other networks, she continues to promote innovative approaches that connect agriculture, tourism and ecology. Her vision is to capitalize on these opportunities to build resilient systems that will transform communities and inspire young Africans to see agriculture as a driver of prosperity.
Founder/Director, Ia's Winery
Ia Imerlishvili is the founder and winemaker of Ia’s Winery, a small family-owned agritourism estate in Gurjaani, Kakheti, Georgia. She produces both traditional Qvevri wines, using UNESCO-recognized methods, and European-style wines from her own vineyard. Ia’s Winery offers immersive experiences where visitors participate in harvests, bake bread in a traditional tone, make churchkhela, and learn about Georgian wine culture firsthand. Ia is also a board member of the Association of Women in the Wine Industry, working to empower female winemakers and rural entrepreneurs across Georgia. She mentors women, advocates for equal opportunities, and helps small family businesses develop sustainable agritourism offerings. Driven by a passion for preserving Georgian traditions while fostering community development, Ia combines authentic hospitality with innovative approaches to agritourism. Her work highlights the role of women in the wine industry and promotes rural empowerment, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism. Through her leadership, visitors not only experience wine but also connect with the history, culture, and people of Georgia — gaining insights that extend far beyond the glass.
Student, Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg
Frieda Wiese is a 19-year-old dual student of Agricultural Management at DHBW Ravensburg in Germany. She works on a family-run free-range laying hen farm that also offers holiday accommodation and is currently expanding its agritourism activities. Growing up in the city, she discovered my passion for farming through agritourism, which opened her eyes to how agriculture and tourism can bring people closer together. Through both her studies and practical experience, she has learned how agritourism can support rural development, promote sustainability, and create real connections between farmers and visitors. She believes that giving people the chance to experience authentic farm life helps them appreciate where their food comes from and strengthens trust in agriculture. She is very excited to represent Germany’s young generation of agricultural students at the Global Agritourism Conference and hopes to learn from others around the world, exchange ideas, and take new inspiration home to share with her university and local farming community.
Chairman, Peace And Love Vegetable Growers Association
John Yeboah is a Ghanaian organic farmer, educator and Chairman of the Peace and Love Vegetable Growers Association, leading over 100 farmers across 10 locations. With more than 25 years of experience, he blends sustainable agriculture with hands-on training for universities students, churches, and international partners. A nationally recognized award-winning farmer, John is passionate about transforming farms into vibrant learning destinations. As a Global Agritourism Conference Scholar, he is pioneering structured agritourism in Ghana to create jobs to empower the youth and is building a replicable model that connects agriculture, education and tourism across Ghana and West Africa.
Researcher, Dr Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University
Dr. Girish Mude, a researcher at MIT World Peace University, Pune, India, brings over 18 years of academic and research experience dedicated to advancing rural entrepreneurship and sustainable marketing. His doctoral work, A Study on Agritourism Development in Maharashtra, reflects his long-standing commitment to empowering farming communities through innovation and tourism. Girish’s scholarly contributions span agritourism development, sustainability, and marketing strategy, with several publications in reputed journals. He has actively engaged with policymakers, entrepreneurs, and educators through national agritourism congresses, webinars, and collaborative projects, strengthening the agritourism ecosystem in India. A passionate educator and mentor, he integrates experiential learning into business education, guiding students in projects that connect academia with rural enterprise. His approach blends research with real-world impact, fostering meaningful partnerships between students, farmers, and industry. Driven by a vision of inclusive growth, Girish aspires to position agritourism as a catalyst for rural transformation, merging culture, sustainability, and innovation to create a more resilient and prosperous rural India.
Program Director, Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School
Francesca Farris, originally hailing from Houston, Texas works at the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School in rural Sicily. She is a food systems enthusiast, aspiring shepherd, and professional eater. She spends her time thinking and exploring new and old foodways and traditions as they manifest across the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia. As of 4 years now, she is the program director of Cook the Farm, a 6 week-long immersive course in Sicily that gives participants a deep understanding of the island’s food systems.
Social Enterprise Development Manager, Merill Rural Network
Silvia Gilberti is 30 years old, and since 2020 she has been working as a Social Enterprise Development Manager for Merill Rural Network in Malta — a social enterprise empowering rural communities through sustainable tourism and local products. With an academic background in Tourism Studies, she specialised in food and wine tourism as a tool for community empowerment and territorial identity. With her early career in the hospitality sector it has given her a practical understanding of what it means to manage a venue, meet guests’ expectations, and communicate stories through food — an experience that still shapes the way she approachs tourism development today. Alongside her role in Malta, she is also the territorial liaison for Ea(s)t Lombardy – European Region of Gastronomy 2017, a regional network connecting farmers, agritourisms, and producers in northern Italy. This dual experience between Malta and Italy allows her to observe agritourism from two different Mediterranean perspectives — one insular and one continental — both facing similar challenges of sustainability and generational renewal. She loves travelling to discover the rural heart of other countries, convinced that food and wine tourism can act as a bridge between people and places, contributing to cultural continuity rather than commodification.
Doctoral Researcher, Poznan University of Life Sciences
Ifeanyi Moses Kanu is from Umuahia, Nigeria. He holds a B.Agric and an M.Sc degree in Agricultural Economics from one of the specialized university of agriculture in Nigeria, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria. The passion he has for agritourism connected him to one of the leading academic professor specializing in agritourism and rural development in Europe, in the person of Prof. (Dr.) Lucyna Przezbórska-Skobiej. After series of consultation and positive PhD recruitment exercise, he was admitted as her PhD student in October, 2023. As an agricultural extension officer, he has cross sectional data of >1,100 farms in southern Nigeria. Among them, about 220 large farms showed strong agritourism potentials. He teaches the farmers improved farming techniques, including agricultural diversification via agritourism. He holds 4+ years of technical and professional experience in the agricultural and farm management sector in Nigeria. He also worked with Abia State ADP to establish an agritourism village, part of the government’s initiative to revitalize rural economies. Aside his numerous research articles, he has co‑authored high‑impact publication in MDPI on climate-smart agriculture and agritourism development in Nigeria, as part of my doctoral program. Presently, he is working on other articles and technical report.
Commercial and Membership Director, Ulster Farmers' Union
Lucy Mitchell is the Commercial and Membership Director at the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), the representative body for farmers and growers across Northern Ireland. She leads engagement across a 12,500 membership, driving strategy and growth to support a resilient and future focused farming community. Lucy is a Board Member of Food NI, supporting the promotion and development of Northern Ireland’s food and agri sector. She also contributes to policy and leadership discussions through her committee role with the Institute of Directors in Northern Ireland and is a member of the National Farmers Union Scotland Next Generation Committee. Originally from a family beef farm in Scotland, Lucy has a strong personal interest in farm succession and diversification. She is a former National Chair of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs, where she led significant governance reform and organisational change. A Churchill Fellow, Lucy has explored international approaches to agricultural engagement across Australia, Canada, Germany and the USA, bringing a global perspective to her work supporting farmers, rural businesses and the wider agricultural industry.
Farm Worker, Wilson Farms
Matthew Wilson is a young farmer from Northern Ireland with a strong background in livestock production and a passion for the future development of agriculture. He currently works on my family farm, where I am involved in all aspects of daily operations, including cattle handling, animal welfare, machinery operation and general farm management. Alongside this, he brings additional practical skills in construction, welding and engineering, supporting ongoing farm development and maintenance. He is actively involved in the Young Farmers Clubs’ of Ulster, where he has held a number of leadership roles including County Chair, Club Leader and Executive Member. Through this, he has had the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland at both national and international level, developing strong communication, leadership and organisational skills. Matthew is particularly interested in farm diversification and the role agritourism can play in strengthening rural businesses and connecting consumers with agriculture.
Assistant Professor, University Of The Philippines - Asian Institute Of Tourism
Marisa P. Eslao-Pamo is an early-career Assistant Professor at the University of the Philippines Asian Institute of Tourism (UP AIT), where she teaches courses in tourism planning and development. She earned her Master’s degree in Tourism Development and Management at UP AIT, with her thesis focusing on agritourism business models in the Philippines as a strategy for rural development. Her research interests include agritourism, gender in tourism, and community-based tourism, reflecting her commitment to inclusive and sustainable rural tourism practices. Beyond the academe, she has served as a consultant in drafting tourism development plans for local governments, including the Agritourism Development component of the 2025–2035 Tourism Development Plan of Quezon Province, a major coconut-producing area of the Philippines. Through her teaching, research, and consultancy work, she seeks to bridge tourism and agriculture to empower rural communities, revive young Filipinos’ interest in farming, promote cultural heritage, and advance regenerative practices that strengthen the country’s food security and self-sufficiency. She hopes to contribute to global conversations on agritourism by sharing insights from the Philippine and Southeast Asian contexts.
Co-owner, Finhome sp. z o.o. (@Finlandia SPOT)
Katarzyna Jämsä is a researcher, educator, and rural entrepreneur passionate about integrating agritourism, outdoor education, and sustainable community development. She worked for 18 years at Centria University of Applied Sciences in Finland, first as Head of the International Relations Office and later as Director of International Projects at Centria Research and Development. Currently, she lectures and conducts research in Poland, where she is pursuing a PhD at Poznań University of Technology on “Models of Marketing Competence Management in the Rural Tourism Sector for the Development of Outdoor Education.” Together with her Finnish husband, she runs Finlandia SPOT, an agritourism farm near Poznań that offers outdoor education programs for children, families, and teachers. She is the author of practical guides for implementing outdoor education in Polish schools and kindergartens, including the Good Practice Handbook, Guide for School Directors, and Outdoor Education Implementation Manual, as well as several international scientific articles. As a mother of three, she combines family life with her mission to promote nature-based learning, cross-cultural collaboration, and sustainable rural entrepreneurship across Poland and Europe.
Specialist In Agricultural Economics In Agriculture Extension Service, University Of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
Tatiana Méndez Toro holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a Master’s in Agricultural Sciences with a concentration in Agricultural Economics, both from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. She also completed certifications in Agroecology and Digital Marketing, and earned her Ph.D. in International Business at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. As a recipient of the Gilman and Freeman Asia scholarships, she studied at the University of Oulu in Finland and Thammasat University in Thailand. In 2022, she was awarded the Dissertation and Thesis Fellowship (PBDT) by DEGI. She currently serves as an Agricultural Economics Specialist at the Agricultural Extension Service, College of Mayagüez, supporting farmers and rural communities. Her experience includes teaching, program coordination, and research at the University of Puerto Rico, as well as collaboration with USDA-NASS on Puerto Rico’s agricultural census. She has also assisted local farms with digital marketing and logistics. Beyond academia, she has volunteered with Protechos and Brigada Solidaria del Oeste. She is also a peer reviewer for journals such as the Journal of Business Research and the Journal of Consumer Behaviour. Her research interests include agritourism, agricultural trade, agroecology, marketing, and sustainability.
Founder & CEO, Agro-Tourism Park by Eco Terra Vista Tours, Agro-tourism Park By Eco Terra Vista Tours Co.ltd
Jean D’Amour Maniragaba is a purpose-driven social agri-tourism entrepreneur and crop production graduate from the University of Rwanda, whose life’s work is rooted in the hills of rural Remera, Musanze. Raised by a resilient single mother and skilled beekeeper, Jean channels his heritage into creating dignified, green economic opportunities for marginalized farming communities. As founder of Eco Terra Vista Tours Co. Ltd. and visionary behind the Agro-Tourism Park by Eco Terra Vista Tours, he fuses indigenous farming practices, culinary heritage, and regenerative tourism to drive inclusive rural development. His flagship park near Lake Ruhondo connects farmers, artisans, and youth to global markets while preserving culture and landscapes. Recognized with the 2025 Best Agri-Tourism Initiative Award, Jean represented Rwanda at the UN Gastronomy Tourism Forum in Tanzania, 2025. A youth eco-tourism trainer and Global Agritourism Network member, he is committed to innovation, conservation, and building sustainable livelihoods that transform rural economies.
Owner, Thorabella Farm
Nikki runs Thorabella Farm, the Lake family’s little slice of countryside just outside Dallas, Moray. She is also the Scottish Agritourism Destination Leader for the Moray Speyside area. What started as a love for good food and rural life has grown into a place where visitors can meet the animals, taste farm-fresh produce, and enjoy a proper day out in the country. Most mornings start with Nikki milking the Jerseys, followed by chatting to customers in the farm shop, and later dreaming up new ways to make farm life even more exciting. Nikki is passionate about showing people where their food comes from and proving that farming can be both sustainable and fun and her heart is always on the farm, welcoming visitors and making sure the animals and guests are happy. For Nikki, Thorabella Farm is all about community, creativity, and the occasional muddy adventure… plus, you can’t beat a good buffalo selfie. As a Scottish Agritourism scholar, Nikki is excited to share her experiences with others in the industry.
Phd Student, University of Maribor
Ana Starman (b. 1996, Slovenia) is PhD student in Agricultural Economics at the University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Her research and practical work focuses on agritourism farms, where she combines academic study with hands-on experience in farming, food production, and rural development. Ana holds a Master’s degree in Food Safety and a Bachelor’s degree in Organic Farming, both from the University of Maribor. She has gained extensive international experience through Erasmus+ exchanges and voluntary work on agritourism farms across Italy, France, Iceland, Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland, and beyond. Her practical skills range from cheesemaking, animal husbandry, and gastronomy to gardening, food preservation, and managing social media for rural enterprises. Passionate about linking theory with practice, Ana enjoys traveling, working, and volunteering on farms as a way to explore diverse cultures and agricultural traditions. She shares her reflections on farming and mobility through her personal blog Farmer on the Move.
Research Assistant, University Of Cape Town
Christelle C. van Zyl, PhD, is a tourism and marketing researcher whose work focuses on agri-tourism development, rural tourism, and sustainable marketing strategies. She holds a Ph.D. in Tourism Management from the North-West University, South Africa, where her research developed a framework for integrating agri-tourism into the broader agricultural sector. Her current research at the University of Cape Town explores how wine agri-tourism farmers use Instagram to market their products and engage with tourists. She has presented her work at numerous national and international conferences and contributed to collaborative projects across academia and industry. Her studies examine farmers’ motives for engaging in agri-tourism, the size and scope of the sector in South Africa, critical success factors for managing such businesses, and the support mechanisms needed for sustainable development. She is currently a Research Assistant at the University of Cape Town’s Liberty Institute of Strategic Marketing. She is passionate about advancing research and contributing to scholarly discussions in the fields of tourism, marketing, and rural development.
Ceo, Xing Yuan Tea Farm
Ching Yuan Liu (Eric) is the owner of Xing Yuan Tea Farm in Dongshan Township, Yilan County, Taiwan. As a third-generation tea farmer, he transformed the family farm into a sustainable agritourism destination, offering immersive tea experiences for all ages. Recognized as one of Taiwan’s Top 100 Young Farmers and an Agricultural New Southbound Ambassador, Eric is passionate about promoting tea culture, environmental sustainability, and rural revitalization. He is also a certified tea taster, community leader, and President of the Yilan Young Farmers’ Association, dedicated to connecting visitors with Taiwan’s agricultural heritage and inspiring the next generation of farmers.
Head of the Board of the Union for Promtoion of Rural Green Tourism Development in Ukraine
Natalai Venkeska has a PhD in Economics from Zaporizhzhia National University, Ukraine. For over 15 years, she worked at the university before relocating to the United Kingdom due to the war. She currently serves as Deputy Head of the NGO “Union for Promotion of Rural Green Tourism Development in Ukraine”, President of the Academy of Rural Development, and Editor-in-Chief of the Rural and Green Tourism Journal, all on a voluntary basis. Working remotely, she supports the growth of Ukrainian rural tourism while balancing life in the UK. She is also a trainer, consultant, and project coordinator involved in international projects that strengthen rural entrepreneurs’ capacity in tourism. Her work focuses on developing their organisation as a business association and representing its members internationally. She has taken part in professional study visits in the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and Estonia, and have authored research papers and manuals on tourism diversification through sustainability and creativity. Her professional interests lie in economics, business, and rural tourism. Having travelled to around 35 countries, she is a passionate traveller who enjoys kayaking, gardening, and playing darts. Her values are inclusion, diversity, and resilience. As a cancer survivor, she deeply appreciates every moment of life.
Farmer, Dogwood Hills Guest Farm
Ruthie Pepler is the owner and operator of Dogwood Hills Guest Farm and an international agritourism development expert. She is the founding and current president of the Arkansas Agritourism Association where she works to help develop agritourism in the different regions of the state. Back on her farm, she runs a micro dairy, grows hydroponic barley fodder for the cows, hydroponic vegetables for guests and developes recipes for the farm stay as well as local tourists. Ruthie’s passion for farm to table has served to bring families to the farm from all over the world as she continues to nurture the growth of agritourism in Arkansas and beyond.
Farmer, USA, Howling Wolf Farm, Llc
Jennifer Colby started farming in 2000 with a few chickens and pigs at a homestead scale, growing and evolving her farm into a business while raising her son, working full time, and managing volunteer and school obligations. She was part of the University of Vermont Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture’s Pasture team for seventeen years, working with every type of livestock farmer around the state and developing a deep understanding of all aspects of the food system. She has been reminded over and over that supporting quality of life for people in agriculture is the best way to support agricultural systems. People are everything, and where she invests her energy now. They welcome overnight guests for farmstays at their yurt and tent sites and offer farm tours. She hosts the Choosing to Farm podcast connecting first-generation livestock folks across the world, and is a certified emotional healing facilitator to help farmers and service providers ease emotional stress. She teaches classes in leadership development skills, how to create Five-Star Farmstays, and how to use process-based art to ease anxiety and stress.
Marketing Manager, New Uzbekistan University
Shakhriyor Sadullaev is Head of the Marketing Department and Partnerships Coordinator at the International Agriculture University in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and an MSc graduate student at the Royal Agricultural University (UK). His dissertation, Transforming Agrotourism in Uzbekistan for a Brighter Tomorrow, compares international models from Kyrgyzstan, Poland, and Belarus to shape practical pathways for Uzbekistan’s emerging rural tourism sector. In 2025, Shakhriyor co-organized the Life Sciences Festival at IAU, moderating a dedicated agritourism session that brought together farmers, students, academics, and policymakers. From this event, he founded Uzbekistan’s first Agritourism Network Association, the country’s initial platform connecting diverse stakeholders in the field. He is now working toward formally registering this network as an NGO to provide long-term support, training, and representation for farmers interested in diversifying into agritourism. Passionate about building bridges between research and practice, Shakhriyor designs bilingual training resources, workshops, and pilot farm projects to make international best practices accessible to local communities. His vision is to empower Uzbek farmers with sustainable income opportunities while preserving cultural and agricultural heritage. Through his work, he represents a new generation of Central Asian leaders committed to advancing agritourism for inclusive rural development.
Agronomist, Klingrove
Grace Mwanyisa is a motivated individual from Zimbabwe with a keen interest in agritourism's potential to boost rural economies and promote sustainable practices. With a background in [related field like agriculture, tourism, or community development], she has been exploring ways to link local agriculture with tourism for community benefit. Zimbabwe's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage offer vast opportunities for agritourism. She is eager to learn from global experts at the Global Agritourism Conference to develop initiatives that empower rural communities, promote eco-friendly practices, and showcase local traditions. By combining agriculture and tourism, she aims to contribute to sustainable development in Zimbabwe's rural areas. She is committed to learning, networking, and applying insights to create positive impacts through agritourism. With a passion for community development and sustainability, she is excited about the possibilities agritourism holds for Zimbabwe.
Research Assistant, University Of Cape Town