What is the School of Country Wisdom
Agritourism Development? The School of Country Wisdom
Agritourism Development is the removal of barriers that prevent individuals and
small businesses from offering agritourism and cultural/heritage related
activities. Through the School of Country Wisdom, businesses and their employees
may access shared resources and skill training to welcome visitors and create a
new revenue source.How did the idea for the School of Country Wisdom
Agritourism Development come about? The Schoharie County Chamber of
Commerce’s Agri-Business Committee sought a way to develop synergy between the
counties’ two biggest industries: Agriculture and Tourism. It has since
broadened to include cultural/heritage opportunities. Visitors coming to our
county for two-hour to two-day classes in "agricultural and cultural/heritage"
subjects will pay the provider for their learning experience, and will eat,
sleep, shop and buy gasoline. They will likely explore other local attractions
further impacting the local economy.
Why establish the School of Country Wisdom here? We have "street
credibility" in agriculture and country living – a solid foundation of working
landscapes that maintains country living quality of life. The goal is to
establish Schoharie County as the premier source for high-value agricultural
experiences in the region.
How will the School of Country Wisdom Agritourism Development be funded?
The Chamber received a $77,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional
Commission (ARC) to launch the program in 2005. Other partners include SUNY
Cobleskill, Schoharie County Planning and Development Agency, the Chamber’s
Tourism Committee, Condon Communications, KMP Media, Schoharie County Farm
Bureau, Schoharie Valley Association and Storey Publications.
A "School Without Walls," the School of Country Wisdom offers courses highlighting country living skills – from
growing great tomatoes and cooking with herbs to crazy quilting and basket weaving.
