The second annual AgriTourism Summit will take place in the vibrant Orange region of New South Wales on August 12–13, 2025, promising to be a cornerstone event for those invested in the future of rural Australia. With a focus on the untapped potential of agritourism, this year’s summit, themed “AgriTourism Unlocked: Harvesting New Opportunities”, will bring together key industry leaders, farmers, and policymakers to explore how this emerging sector can provide sustainable solutions for rural communities and farmers across the country.
Following the success of the inaugural summit in 2024, which was held in the Southern Highlands, the event has expanded its scope, with more than 200 delegates expected to attend. The program promises to offer insightful discussions, dynamic farmer-led panels, and plentiful networking opportunities, all designed to inspire and equip attendees with the tools necessary to enhance their agritourism ventures.
The theme of this year’s summit focuses on agritourism’s role as a potential drought-proofing strategy for farmers, providing a much-needed revenue stream that can complement seasonal farming operations. Organisers aim to explore how agritourism can become a key player in Australia’s rural economy, especially in the face of climate extremes. Central to this conversation will be how agritourism can serve as a sustainable roadmap for the future of rural communities, helping farmers diversify and future-proof their businesses.
Claire Taylor, founder of Agvocacy Consulting and a Nuffield Farming Scholar from Scotland, has curated the event program. Now based in Orange, Taylor has been a passionate advocate for agritourism, having helped develop Scotland’s agritourism movement. She brings this wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Australian context, keen to share insights that can drive meaningful change in the industry.
“We’re excited to bring the summit to Orange this year, a region that is quickly establishing itself as one of Australia’s top agritourism destinations,” says Gary FitzRoy, organiser of the summit and operator of his own agritourism business. “Agritourism presents a real opportunity for farmers to diversify their income streams and to create long-term sustainable solutions for rural communities.”
The summit will include a variety of breakout sessions, addressing a wide range of topics such as navigating bureaucratic red tape, building strong agritourism brands, and developing collaborative networks for growth. Delegates will also be able to participate in immersive farm tours organised by Orange360, offering a firsthand look at local agritourism operations.
FitzRoy highlights the importance of breaking down barriers in the agritourism sector: “To grow this sector, we need supportive government policies and an actionable roadmap for the future. This year, we are focused on how to unlock agritourism’s potential, break through existing barriers, and present a sector-led action plan to policymakers.”
The event is being held with the support of Destination NSW and Orange City Council, both of which recognise the importance of developing agritourism to enhance regional tourism offerings. The summit’s partnership with the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) of NSW further underscores the growing significance of agritourism in shaping the future of Australian agriculture.
As the summit draws closer, those interested in attending are encouraged to register early. With its robust program and exciting opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration, the AgriTourism Summit is shaping up to be a pivotal event for anyone invested in the future of rural Australia.
Event Details:
- Date: 12-13 August 2025
- Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Location: Orange, NSW
- Registration: Visit AgriTourism Summit to book your seat and take advantage of early bird rates.
This event promises to be a key platform for fostering innovation, driving policy change, and inspiring the next wave of agritourism in Australia.