Creating the design for the Cove Playground at the National Maritime Museum was a different experience for us. We are no strangers to inclusive play with Windsor , Boundless and Blenheim under our belt already. In this project, we were given the opportunity to work with some local stakeholders to fully understand what would make a new adventure play area properly accessible. By the time the design was finished, we had spent more than 100 hours in consultation with over 200 individual stakeholders from local SEND schools and groups, to help design the play they had always dreamed of being able to enjoy. The stakeholder engagement touched every part of the design on the micro and macro scale. Wide design themes such as number, characteristics and location of access points to site, right down to the smallest finishing touches. We baked their thinking into the fabric of the playground from the get go, making the SEN features coherent and part of the narrative of the play, rather than adding it as a second thought. At the recent opening event, some of the children from Willow Dene School were tasked with cutting the ribbon to declare the play open, as a thank you for their invaluable input. There were speeches too, but the one that stood out was by Lisa Parascandolo from Willow Dene, which we reprint here in full. "Willow Dene school is a special needs school with students ranging from 2-19, with cohorts of children and young people with complex needs and autism. We are so used to being unseen. Or if we are seen, it is in a “less than” capacity. That our children and young people do not have opinions or cannot express what they want or need. To be included in this whole process, not just as a tick box exercise, add an accessible swing here, an inclusive roundabout there…an afterthought, but to be asked what we wanted, what would we like to have in a play space, how do our children play. It was truly remarkable. We often do not get to talk about our children in this way, for the families, children and staff to openly discuss what we need to help assist with play. We were able to raise wanting to use all our senses within play, to be able to discover our vestibular sense and develop our proprioceptive sense. And the wonderful experience of being heard. We discussed the wheelchair accessible ramp having ‘passing places’ and the architects getting to understand why that was important and then putting that into the design. When the only people that usually take the time to understand what you need are your family and your teachers, it’s almost a euphoric experience to have these conversations. I was fortunate to have a walk around the site yesterday and it is truly amazing to see something come to life from all the drawings and concepts we have been involved with. Initially for our families, it was that feeling of being included and not as an afterthought. For them to talk about their child and to feel heard. To discuss how important it is to have inclusive and accessible play spaces. Families come in all shapes and sizes. Being part of a disabled family and being able to take the whole family to one play space and interact with others is quite remarkable, as it is not able to happen very often. With this play space, our families can feel like part of the community, meet up with friends and feel a sense of belonging. A short walk from the play space is the museum café. There is also a changing places hygiene unit with a hoist, which any parent of a child who uses a wheelchair will tell you, is absolutely essential in planning any day out. We can fight prejudices about disability by being out in the community and by being seen. Though we might look and sound different we are still children, who love to play. And now they have a place in our community that they helped create and it is beautiful." Lisa Parascandolo Physical Development and MOVE Lead Cultural Capital Lead Willow Dene School Sarah Lockwood, Head of Engagement at Royal Museums Greenwich initiated the consultation process and we worked with Ruth Boley, Senior Manager; Learning, Ros Croker-Ahmed, Senior Manager; Partnerships and Engagement and Katie Cassel; Families and Young People Manager to engage and facilitate working with stakeholders, which for us delivered incredible results we can all be proud of. Speaking about it, Sarah said - "At Royal Museums Greenwich we take play seriously and wanted the opportunity of creating a new outdoor play space, at the National Maritime Museum, to support every child’s right to play. Working collaboratively is at the heart of what we do, and we thank CAP.Co for undertaking the journey of consultation with our stakeholders, listening and responding to their needs, to make a truly unique and memorable space for children and their families." Lisa's speech at the opening of the Cove was the most incredibly moving speech for all of our team. What we learned during the process of co-creating the design will change the way we work on every project we look at going forwards. We have always believed that play is better together. In fact it's only really fun if you're playing and interacting with others. Working with a client as forward-thinking as Royal Museums Greenwich enabled this process to be genuinely useful and between us, we have created something amazing. Inclusive play is incredible. Children don't see disabilities, they see that we have created the ability to play together with everyone, whatever their ability. To be truly inclusive, everyone must come away with the same play experience, which means a playground should offer a level of challenge to ALL abilities including SEN users. The full list of Royal Museums Greenwich stakeholders who were consulted to create the play at the National Maritime Museum is as follows: - Action For Refugees Lewisham - Museum Participants/Groups: Discover Sundays, LGBTQ+ Family Forum, Play Outdoors, SENsory Sailors - Primary Schools: Halstow, James Wolfe, Mulgrave, Meridian, Myatt Garden - The Anchor SEND friendly Center and Willow Dene Special School And Thank you to Lucy MacDonald who supported the consultation process across the groups.  Royal Museums Greenwich have created a Play Manifesto to reinforce the commitment to actively supporting play. You can see that here .

Retail Tricks! One retail trick which is frequently overlooked is the benefit of having complementary items for your produce/products on hand and easy for customers to purchase. If customers can get everything they need to use what you grow on the farm, they are more likely to purchase more of it. Examples include Rada Cutlery, as detailed more below. But it can also include pumpkin carving tools, spice or dip mixes to cook meals, vases for the flowers which are picked, and/or reusable bags to carry it all home.  Boosting Sales One of the easiest ways to boost Rada Cutlery sales is to use it where your visitors can see it in action. Whether you’re slicing fresh apples, cutting cheese, or spreading homemade jam, make sure you’re using Rada knives, peelers, or spreaders — and point it out! “We use Rada Cutlery here — it’s 100% made in the USA since 1948. You can grab one right over there!” When guests watch you easily peel produce or slice cleanly with a Rada knife, it builds trust and interest. Demonstrating the product in real-time not only increases interest but also drives impulse purchases. For this reason, we recommend keeping the featured products close to the sampling area. And placing additional products in several complimentary locations throughout the store, such as a clip strip of peelers and paring knives next to the apples. Another recommendation would be to place items in the impulse areas and near the checkout with clear signage and pricing.

There’s something magical about discovering agritourism in a new landscape — where lush rainforests meet rich farmland, and local traditions blend with innovative visitor-ready experiences. That’s exactly what happened when NAFDMA members and friends embarked on our Costa Rica Agritourism Tour , January 2–8, 2026. This immersive journey combined agricultural exploration, cultural insights, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow agritourism professionals. A Trip Rooted in Learning, Adventure & Connection This tour wasn’t just a vacation — it was a chance to see how agritourism thrives beyond North America. From coffee estates tucked into misty mountains to wildlife-rich estuaries on the Pacific Coast, every day offered something new to inform, inspire, and invigorate our agritourism minds. Day by Day: Inspiration Across Costa Rica Day One — Welcome to San José After arriving in San José, attendees checked in and enjoyed an afternoon of leisure — the perfect welcome to Costa Rican warmth and rhythm. Day Two — Hacienda Doka Coffee Farm & La Paz Waterfall Gardens Our first full day began at Hacienda Doka, where we traced coffee from seed to cup, stepped inside the oldest wet mill in Costa Rica, and savored local coffee and chocolates — an unforgettable look at agricultural heritage meeting agritourism. From there, we wandered through the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, home to hummingbirds, butterflies, and cascading tropical waterfalls. Day Three — Arenal Hanging Bridges & Thermal Retreat Exploring the Arenal Hanging Bridges brought us up close with rainforest wildlife — over 50 bird species, lush flora, and the vibrant pulse of nature. Later, we relaxed in the mineral-rich EcoTermales Hot Springs, capturing the restorative side of Costa Rican ecosystems. Day Four — A Leisure Day in Arenal With a day to unwind, tour participants picked their own adventure — from strolling La Fortuna town to booking optional ziplining, kayaking, or fishing. Sometimes, inspiration comes from simply observing local life at your own pace. Day Five — Mangroves, Crocs & Coastal Biodiversity As we moved toward Jaco, the Tarcoles River estuary showcased one of the country’s richest ecological treasures — mangroves teeming with birds like kingfishers and herons, and the famous American crocodile. Our boat ride through this biodiverse ecosystem was a highlight of wildlife watching and conservation learning. Day Six — Jaco Beach & Leisure A full day on the Pacific Coast offered sun, surf, and reeled-in inspiration. You could stroll along renowned Jaco Beach, embark on a catamaran tour, or simply soak in the relaxed beach culture that makes agritourism destinations memorable. Day Seven — Farewell, Pura Vida! With hearts full and minds buzzing with ideas, the group headed back to San José for flights home — wrapping up a trip that reaffirmed what agritourism is all about: place, people, and purpose. Why This Tour Mattered This isn’t just a travel story — it’s a series of real lessons that agritourism operators can carry home: Seeing agriculture through a tourism lens — from coffee culture to mangrove ecosystems. Local experience meets global insight — discovering how destination experiences can be shaped by culture, community, and environment. Connections made along the way — conversations on buses, shared meals, and evenings watching sunsets together created friendships that will outlast the itinerary. What’s Next? Whether you were on this tour or simply dreaming about joining next time, keep your calendar open for upcoming NAFDMA experiences that blend education, exploration, and connection. Check out our events lineup — including the Agritourism Convention & Expo and other immersive learning opportunities — and find your next chance to grow, together. Thank You A big thanks to every person who joined this journey — for bringing your curiosity, camaraderie, and passion for agritourism. It’s these shared experiences that help our industry flourish across borders and ecosystems alike.

Finding Balance in the Everyday Work of Agritourism

Walk through any farm market, gift shop, or agritourism checkout line and you’ll spot them instantly — stickers. Bright, bold, funny, sentimental, local, seasonal. Stickers may be small, but they speak volumes. From water bottles and laptops to tractors and toolboxes, stickers have become tiny billboards of personality. They tell a story, signal belonging, and give customers a way to take a piece of your farm (and their experience) home with them. Stickers as Self-Expression Today’s customers aren’t just shopping — they’re curating their identity. A sticker that says “Farm Girl,” “Berry Lover,” or proudly displays their name isn’t just décor; it’s a statement. Stickers offer instant emotional connection at a low price point, making them an easy “yes” at checkout. For families, stickers are an affordable souvenir. For teens and young adults, they’re a way to personalize everyday items. And for adults? Stickers are nostalgia, humor, and local pride wrapped into one peel-and-stick moment. Why Stickers Work So Well at Retail Stickers thrive in impulse zones — near registers, exits, and high-traffic areas. They’re quick to browse, easy to display, and don’t require sizing, fitting, or decision fatigue. Even better? Customers rarely buy just one. A name. A joke. A seasonal favorite. A local shout-out. Suddenly, a single sticker turns into a small stack — and a stronger sale. From the Source: Sticker Success, Straight from the Printer The team at Stickers Northwest has spent a decade watching what works — and what sells — across farm markets, gift shops, and attractions nationwide. Here’s what they share with retailers: Stickers Northwest offers thousands of designs that can be name dropped at no extra cost. To help maximize sales, we recommend stocking a mix of name-dropped designs along with our proven top sellers. Since customers rarely stop at just one sticker, having a wide assortment ensures there’s something for everyone. Stickers are compact, eye-catching, and deliver excellent profit margins. Plus, we provide a variety of display options—always free when filled with stickers—and free freight on every order. We’re proud to have celebrated our 10-year anniversary in 2024! As a small business based in Tacoma, WA, all of our stickers are printed right here in the USA. Why This Matters for Agritourism For agritourism operations, stickers hit the sweet spot: ✔ Low cost, high margin ✔ Easy to rotate seasonally ✔ Perfect for name-dropping your town, farm, or region ✔ Ideal for kids, teens, and adults alike They complement other branded merchandise without competing for space or budget. And when paired with the right display and variety, they quietly become one of the hardest-working items in your shop. The Takeaway Stickers may be small, but their impact is anything but. They invite customers to express who they are, where they’ve been, and what they love — all while boosting your bottom line.  When you give guests a sticker they connect with, you’re not just selling a product — you’re sending a piece of your farm out into the world, one water bottle at a time.

The phone call that everyone needs.

At NAFDMA, safety isn’t a seasonal checkbox — it’s a year-round commitment. But this December, we’re turning the spotlight squarely on Risk Reduction , reinforcing our ongoing work to help agritourism operators protect their farms, their guests, and their future. As many of you know, NAFDMA continues to move forward with a long-term focus on risk reduction through education, awareness, and practical, farm-ready tools. From workshops and expert guidance to peer-to-peer learning and legal insight, our goal is simple: to help operators feel more confident, prepared, and supported when it comes to managing risk. December is our opportunity to elevate that conversation — and we invite the entire agritourism community to engage with it. Why Risk Reduction Matters — Now More Than Ever Welcoming guests onto your farm is both a privilege and a responsibility. As agritourism continues to grow, so does the need for clear safety practices, proactive planning, and a deeper understanding of liability and risk exposure. Risk reduction isn’t about fear — it’s about prevention over panic, clarity over confusion, and confidence over uncertainty . When farms take steps to reduce risk, they don’t just protect themselves legally — they create safer, more welcoming experiences for every guest who walks through their gates. That’s why this month’s focus isn’t theoretical. It’s practical, farm-ready, and designed to meet you where you are. Your Questions. Expert Context. Real-World Answers. One of the key initiatives we’re exploring this December is creating space for your real, everyday risk-reduction questions. Throughout the month, NAFDMA will be inviting members to submit legal and risk-related questions — the kind you’ve probably asked yourself or discussed behind the scenes: “Is this signage enough?” “How do I handle public vs. non-public areas?” “What happens if…?” Our plan is to collect, curate, and group these questions, then work with trusted legal experts to provide helpful context and insight. Those responses will be shared in the future as a practical, community-driven resource grounded in real farm scenarios. This approach allows us to: Address common concerns many farms share Reduce confusion around risk and liability Provide clarity without judgment Learn together as an industry Your questions help shape the conversation — and ultimately help fellow operators navigate similar challenges. Send your questions to suzi@nafdma.com . Free Risk Reduction Gifts — Built for Real Farms Education is powerful, but tools you can use right away are even better. As part of Risk Reduction Month, NAFDMA has created two free, downloadable resources designed to help farms take immediate, meaningful action — and we’re just getting started. Additional free Risk Reduction gifts will be rolling out throughout December, so be sure to keep an eye on your inbox and NAFDMA channels. Farm Risk Reduction Gifts So Far: First Aid Kit Checklist Public Access Basic Question List Moving Forward — Together Risk reduction isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about staying proactive, asking good questions, and using the resources available to you. This December, we invite you to: Engage with Risk Reduction Month Submit your questions Download and use the free tools Start conversations with your team Take one step — then another — toward a safer operation Stay proactive. Stay protected. Stay welcoming. We’re grateful to walk this path with you — and we look forward to continuing the conversation in the months ahead.

Authenticity + Connection Matters

Under the wide Montana sky, something powerful happened. Farmers, ranchers, educators, and tourism leaders gathered in Bozeman not just to attend a conference — but to build a stronger bridge between agriculture and community. The 2025 Montana Agritourism Conference delivered two days of learning, connection, and boots-on-the-ground inspiration that left attendees energized and ready to take their next steps in agritourism. If you missed it, or simply want to relive the highlights, here’s a look back at everything this year’s event had to offer. A Gathering of Visionaries & Doers From the moment participants checked in at Montana State University, the energy was unmistakable. Newcomers asked questions. Seasoned operators compared notes. Tourism professionals shared what travelers are craving. It didn’t matter if someone operated a cattle ranch, a pumpkin patch, a lavender field, or was just beginning to explore agritourism — everyone arrived with the same goal: to learn how to open their gates with confidence, creativity, and sustainability. Farm Tour: Inspiration on the Ground The optional pre-conference farm tour set the tone perfectly. Attendees visited Montana agritourism sites actively welcoming visitors — from hands-on farm experiences to value-added operations to ranches building future-ready programming. Walking the fields with operators who have “been there, done that” brought the ideas to life. You could see the potential, imagine new visitor experiences, and ask real-time questions that only farmers can answer. One attendee summed it up perfectly: “It’s one thing to talk about agritourism in a classroom — it’s another to stand on a working farm and watch it in action.” Education That Met You Where You Are The conference offered three track options so attendees could build the learning journey that fit their stage of development: 🌱 Planting the Seed Perfect for those exploring agritourism for the first time — packed with foundational info, startup essentials, and the big “what to expect” conversations that every new operator needs. 🚜 Out in the Field For those already welcoming visitors. Sessions tackled guest experience, programming, operations, event planning, and practical hosting ideas. 🌾 The Long View Designed for established operators ready to think bigger: succession planning, pricing strategy, growth, partnerships, sustainability, and the long-term health of the farm. Across every track, participants heard directly from experts, ranchers, and entrepreneurs who have weathered the dust, the doubts, and the triumphs. These weren’t theoretical presentations — they were real stories, real numbers, and real lessons learned. Key Takeaways Everyone Was Talking About ★ Agritourism is most successful when it serves both land & community. Attendees left with new ideas on how to tell their story, protect their land, and strengthen their local and regional economies. ★ The visitor experience is shifting. Travelers want authenticity, meaningful interaction, fresh-air escapes, and opportunities to connect with people — not just products. ★ Safety & liability aren’t hurdles — they’re foundations. Operators learned practical steps to build safer, clearer, better-protected experiences from day one. ★ Partnerships are the secret ingredient. Tourism offices, educators, county agents, and neighboring farms all play a role in successful, sustainable agritourism growth. Connections That Will Last Long After the Conference One of the most celebrated parts of the event? The relationships. From hallway conversations to the evening social featuring Montana-grown flavors, attendees found themselves surrounded by people who understand the unique challenges — and joys — of operating a visitor-ready farm or ranch. New friendships formed. Business collaborations sparked. And more than one operator walked away with a renewed sense of purpose. Looking Ahead If this year’s event proved anything, it’s that agritourism thrives when we learn from each other. And for many attendees, the biggest takeaway was simple: You don’t have to build this alone. There is a community here — and it’s growing. Want this experience for yourself, but don't want to wait a year to make it happen? Register for the upcoming NAFDMA Convention and Expo in Orlando, Florida this coming February. You'll experience the same things - farm tours, conversations, expert-led sessions, and relationships to sustain you through your busy season. Join us today!