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My inspiring guest is Dr. Valeria Klitsounova from Belarus. Yes, Belarus! That might sound surprising to many, especially during the current times. But, when given the introduction, I thought this was a very important opportunity to listen and learn. Obviously my conversation is focused on agritourism. However, the bigger issues of today are at the core of our discussion. Dr. Valeria’s story is truly inspiring and made me stop and reflect on what it means to be an American and how I have access to so many opportunities, especially in business, that I may take for granted at times.

Raised by her aunt and grandmother, Dr. Valeria grew up thinking critically and developed her independence and leadership skills at a young age. She and her husband founded and owned a museum of history and rural culture in Belarus. The Museum allowed her to share Belarusian history, one of her passions. After selling the museum, she looked for other opportunities to bring information about Belarus to the world. In 2002, Dr. Valeria introduced the idea of agritourism to Belarus. Her focus was to provide more income opportunities to rural communities throughout the country. She founded the Belarusian Association of Rural and Ecotourism, also known as “Country Escape,” a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Belarus as a tourist destination. Through her incredible dedication and hard work, Belarus was selected as the Best Agritourism destination in 2016 and 2018 by National Geographic.

When she started Country Escape there were very few farmsteads that supported rural tourism. Her influence and leadership dubbed her as the mother of agritourism in Belarus. A few years ago, after 20 years leading Country Escape, the Belarus government required her to close her company, leaving 3000 farmsteads without her support. Now, a few years after closing her company, the tourism industry has under 1000 active farmsteads practicing rural tourism.

Dr. Valeria is now focused on her senior lecturer position at Belarus State University where she instructs students in marketing, advertising, public relations and ecotourism. In addition, she is on the Board of the Global Agritourism Network. So, although her company was forced to close, she has continued to pursue what is near and dear to her heart through diverse and impactful means.

Student travel website
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Mother of Agritourism in Belarus

The Global Agritourism Network (GAN) was created to support agritourism worldwide through education, research, and advocacy. Everyone with an interest in agritourism is welcome to join for free by completing the form online at Global Agritourism Network (GAN) Registration (google.com).

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.

• Agri-Tourist.com
• HeartBeet Farms
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• About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host
• Global Agritourism Network

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I was joined by Beth Kennet, owner of Liberty Hill Farm and a pioneer in the world of agritourism in the state of Vermont and probably worldwide. The farm experience that Beth and her family offer is truly an immersive farm-family experience. What does that mean? Well her multigenerational guests, many of whom are returning for over 30 years now with grandkids, truly become part of their 10-room farmhouse in Rochester, VT. That includes eating family meals at the same table every day, sharing food that is sourced from local farms and producers, helping with farm chores, and learning about the real day-to-day tasks of running a dairy farm.

As Beth describes, it's not unusual for her grandchildren to plop down beside a guest and question them about where they are from or offer them some fresh mint for their tea - that they will run outside and quickly harvest.

Beth tells us the serendipitous story about how she and her husband Bob found their farm. It’s truly a gem of a story.

My invigorating conversation with Beth re-affirmed for me my WHY. Why am I so drawn to agriculture and farming? It’s all about the connections and relationships that it creates. Beth explained that the connections she has made with people from around the world - her extended family of the heart as she describes - drives her passion each and every day. Farming and agriculture have sparked so many new relationships for her. And when she connects with people, she has their attention and the opportunity to educate them about the critical importance of KNOWING where our food comes from including the complexities, opportunities and challenges that surrounds that process.

And, as Beth’s home and farm is very much in constant motion and highly energized, this podcast too experiences the high energy environment that Beth thrives in at her farm. Now, let’s hear from Beth, and occasionally from her visiting friend and sister of the heart Lois…

Liberty Hill Farm
Cabot Creamery

The Global Agritourism Network (GAN) was created to support agritourism worldwide through education, research, and advocacy. Everyone with an interest in agritourism is welcome to join for free by completing the form online at Global Agritourism Network (GAN) Registration (google.com).

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.

• Agri-Tourist.com
• HeartBeet Farms
• Instagram
• About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host
• Global Agritourism Network

Send us a Text Message.

The Blueberry Treehouse Farm is a family-friendly, fun, and picturesque event space created by owners Jyl and Rico Rivera in the rural, vibrant community of West Falls, NY (near Buffalo). They have taken a historic farm growing blueberries for over 35 years to the next level by opening it to thousands of visitors. They combine the farm with their business and passion so visitors can see, experience, and treasure a treehouse for themselves. As parents, the owners of a small business, and creative visionaries, they seek to change the image of a farm to become a cool place to visit often, connect with nature and benefit the entire community.

The farm includes a u-pick organic blueberry farm, The Blueberry Treehouse Cafe, a magical playground (shark and all!), Blueberry Jam concerts...with. more creative fun being planned for the future.

Rico and Jyl have such an amazing energy between them - Rico is the creative contractor while Jyl is the organized implementer and organizer - they compliment each other perfectly. I had so much fun learning from Rico and Jyl...and I am confident you will too! Enjoy my conversation with Rico and Jyl!

Blueberry Treehouse Farm
Blueberry Treehouse Cafe
Buffalo Treehouse

The Global Agritourism Network (GAN) was created to support agritourism worldwide through education, research, and advocacy. Everyone with an interest in agritourism is welcome to join for free by completing the form online at Global Agritourism Network (GAN) Registration (google.com).

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.

• Agri-Tourist.com
• HeartBeet Farms
• Instagram
• About Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast Host
• Global Agritourism Network