Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st June 2026
The Royal Highland Show
The Royal Highland Show, Ingliston, Edinburgh takes place the weekend before the Global Agritourism Conference 2026. Tickets are not included in the conference ticket and must be bought through the official Royal Highland Show website.
Sunday – Monday June 21-22, 2026
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Learning Journey 1 Edinburgh to Aberdeen via Perthshire & Angus
Sunday 21st June – depart Edinburgh traveling north to Aberdeen with a BBQ at The Hideaway Experience and an overnight in Dundee.
Monday 22nd June – Arrive in Aberdeen.
Locations: Guardswell Farm, Newton Farm Holidays, The Hideaway Experience, Castleton Farm Shop, Westerton Farm and Port of Aberdeen.
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Learning Journey 2 Edinburgh to Aberdeen via Fife & Perthshire
Sunday 21st June – depart Edinburgh traveling north to Aberdeen with a BBQ at The Hideaway Experience and an overnight in Dundee.
Monday 22nd June – Arrive in Aberdeen.
Locations: Balgove Larder, Bonerbo Farm, The Hideaway Experience, Mains of Errol Fruit Shack, Easter Denhead and Forest Farm.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Core Tours
8:00am: All Coaches depart P&J Live
Coastal Angus Tour visits
- Charleton Farm, Lunan Bay Farm, Arbikie
Heart of Aberdeenshire Tour visits:
- Boutique Farm Bothies, Thorneybank, Forest Farm Dairy
Moray Speyside Tour visits:
- Edinvale, Duffus Estate, Byres Farm
Angus Glens and The Mearns Tour visits:
- Glen Clova Hotel, Westerton Farm, Castleton Farm
Royal Deeside Tour visits:
- Finzean Estate, Louise’s Farm Kitchen, Cowden Farm Holidays
Coastal Aberdeenshire Tour visits:
- Down on the Farm, Marshall’s Farm Shop and Café, Rora Dairy
5.00pm: Coaches return to P&J Live
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Registration Open
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Welcome to Scotland Civic Reception
Cider – Thistly Cross
SixoNorth, Aberdeenshire – IPA & Pilsner
Burnside Brewery, Aberdeenshire – Wayfinder Non-Alcoholic Lager
The Gin Bothy, Angus, Raspberry Gin Liqueur Served with Summerhouse Drinks, Aberdeenshire, Hint o’ Mint Lemonade
Summerhouse Drinks, Aberdeenshire – Selection of lemonades
The bar will be open to purchase alternative drinks.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
7:30AM – 7:00 PM
Registration Open
7:45 AM – 8:45 AM
Global Agritourism Network Committee Meetings
- Education Committee
- Policy and Advocacy Committee
- Definition and Standards Committee
- Research Committee
- World Agri Tourism Day Committee
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Exhibition & Networking
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
Session 1 – Welcome to the conference
Delegates will be welcomed to the inaugural Global Agritourism Conference.
9:00 AM – 10:25 AM
Session 2 – Keynote: A Global Agritourism Network – Country Benchmarking – Facts and Figures Around the Globe
Five leaders from different countries will share insights into the agritourism landscape in their home countries and the strategy, infrastructure and policy that supports this. Speakers will share sector definitions and key data across a number of KPIs and provide an honest insight into what is going well together with some of the challenges faced in growing agritourism and farm retail.
10:25 AM – 10:45 AM
Session 2a – From Diddly Squat to Only Farmers: Opening the Farm Gate to a New Era of Agritourism
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Refreshment Break, Exhibition & Networking
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Session 3 – Keynote: The Policy Landscape
This session will focus on representation and lobbying for increased support for rural economies and in particular rural tourism and agritourism. Klaus will outline his views on which European countries are effective within their networks in harnessing people to come together to have a strong voice to influence their national and European policy – giving examples and case studies.
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Session 4 – Keynote: Opportunities for Farm Retailing and Farm Cafes
Showcasing food and drink produced on the farm is a core part of the agritourism experience, presenting attractive and significant consumer offerings that provide a better understanding of farming and food production. This session, features four world-class operators sharing their expertise in farm retail and hospitality businesses from Scotland, England and Australia.
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Lunch Break, Exhibition & Networking
Menus for the Global Agritourism Conference have been designed to promote health and wellbeing, with a strong focus on fresh, seasonal Scottish ingredients.
International delegates will have the opportunity to discover classic Scottish dishes, prepared using produce from Agritourism members and local farms. Every meal reflects Scotland’s culinary heritage while highlighting wholesome choices that nourish and inspire.
Global Agritourism Conference Lunches are sponsored by Quality Meat Scotland.
- Cold Roast Gammon, Prime Scottish Pork, Aberdeenshire
- Cold Roast Scotch Beef, Macbeth’s Butcher’s, Edinvale Farm, Morayshire
- Flaked Hot Smoked Salmon, John Ross Jr, Aberdeen
- Peppered Mackerel, John Ross Jr, Aberdeen
- Pork and Herb Sausage Rolls, made with Prime Scottish Pork and Fresh Herbs from Balgove Larder, Fife
- Hard Boiled Eggs with Mayonnaise and Fresh Herbs – Scotston Farm Eggs, Angus and Fresh Herbs from Balgove Larder, Fife
- Rainbow Coleslaw with Cabbage from Cronan Farm, Perthshire and fresh Aberdeenshire Carrots from Logie Newton Farm
- Salad Leaves with Garlic Snapes, Westerton Farm, Aberdeenshire
- Potato and Onion Salad with Chive Mustard Dressing, new season Ayrshire New Potatoes, Girvan Growers
- Roasted Beetroot, Celeriac and Apple Salad
- Salad Dressings, Summer Harvest Oils, Perthshire
- Fresh Scottish Tomatoes, Standhill Farm, Scottish Borders
- Sourdough Bread, The Bread Guy, Aberdeen
- Whipped Bothy Butter, Angus
2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Session 5.1 – Policy
Local and national policies have a significant impact on the growth and profitability of agritourism in a particular country or region. This session will explore some of the successes and challenges that policy has influenced with case studies from USA, Philippines, Belarus and Canada
Session 5.2 – Succession
Agritourism can play a key role in facilitating succession of the family farming business. This session will hear from three case study farmers about how growing the pie through agritourism and farm retail has helped multiple family members have a role in the farming enterprise. Specific research in succession across a number of businesses will also be presented.
Session 5.4 – Consumer Trends
This session will examine current and expected future trends in agritourism and farm retail and provide insights from experts in this field.
Session 5.3 – Collaboration & Education
Businesses, regions and countries collaborating provides significant benefits for knowledge sharing, confidence building and economic growth. This session will share examples from the USA, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Refreshment Break, Exhibition & Networking
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Session 6.1 – Farm Stay Accommodation
Case study farmers from across the globe will share the story of their farming and accommodation businesses with insights into customers, sales and costs and adapting to changing market conditions.
Session 6.2 – Country Benchmarking
Four leaders from different countries will share insights into the agritourism landscape in their home countries and the strategy, infrastructure and policy that supports this. Speakers will share sector definitions and key data across a number of KPIs and provide an honest insight into what is going well together with some of the challenges faced in growing agritourism and farm retail.
Session 6.4 – Sustainability and Sustainable Food
Session 6.3 – Research Focus
6:45 PM – 1:00 AM
Gala Dinner sponsored by Azets
Each dish is crafted in partnership with the chefs at P&J Live to celebrate the land, the producers, and Scotland’s rich food heritage.
“Scotland is home to one of the very finest larders in the world,” says Graham Mutch, Food and Beverage Manager at P&J Live. “For our chefs to be able to celebrate these ingredients and their members, then to serve them to hundreds of delegates as carefully crafted dishes is something very special.”
Starter
Scottish Smoked Salmon with Garlic & Herb Soft Cheese from The Orkney Dairy, Sourdough from The Bread Guy, Aberdeen, and Sliced Bothy Butter from Angus.
Main Course
Moray Speyside Scotch Beef Sirloin from MacBeth’s Butcher’s Edinvale Farm with a Haggis Bon Bon, served with fresh Aberdeenshire Carrots from Logie Newton Farm, Broccoli from Cronan Farm, Perthshire, Peas from East Coast Viners, Angus and Ayrshire New Potatoes, from Girvan Growers, dressed with Bothy Butter, Angus, and Westerton Farm, Aberdeenshire Gluten Free Oats.
Sweet
An Aberdeenshire showcase of Forest Farm the Organic Dairy, Vanilla and Scottish Blackcurrant Gelatos, served with a display of seasonal soft fruits – strawberries, raspberries, blueberries from Castleton Farm.
Cheese Board
Isle of Mull Cheddar from Isle of Mull Cheese, Cora Linn from Errington Cheese, Lanarkshire, and Howgate Kintyre Blue, Inverloch Cheese Company, Argyll, served with Gloagburn Farm, Perthshire, Chutney and Oatcakes.
Gala Dinner Drinks Reception
Welcome Cocktail Sponsored Global Agritourism Conference 2027 Quebec
The Maple Moon Cocktail
Talisker Single Malt Peated Whisky from Isle of Skye, Hazy Fizzy Scottish Cider, mixed with Québec Maple Syrup and Québec Maple Sugar, served with an (optional) cinnamon stick.
A gift to delegates from Team Bonjour Québec, next years’ Global Agritourism Conference hosts.
Aberdeenshire G&T
Balmaud Distillery Gin, Aberdeenshire and Walter Gregor’s Tonic, Aberdeenshire
Thursday, June 25, 2026
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration Open
7:45 AM – 8:45 AM
Regional Global Agritourism Network Committee Meetings
Members of the Global Agritourism Network Committees will meet. Committee members should confirm the time and meeting room with their Global Agritourism Network Committee Chair.
- North America
- Southwest Asia
- Eastern Europe
- Western Europe
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Exhibition & Networking
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Session 7.1 – Tours & Experiences
Session 7.2 – Data Trends & Measurement
Session 7.4 – Research Focus
Session 7.3 – Marketing & Market Research
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Refreshment Break, Exhibition & Networking
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Session 8.1 – Innovation
Session 8.2 – Country Insights
Session 8.3 – Scholars, Next Generation Views
Session 8.4 – Young Agritourism Entrepreneurs from Scotland’s Islands
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Lunch Break, Exhibition & Networking
Menus for the Global Agritourism Conference have been designed to promote health and wellbeing, with a strong focus on fresh, seasonal Scottish ingredients.
International delegates will have the opportunity to discover classic Scottish dishes, prepared using produce from Agritourism members and local farms. Every meal reflects Scotland’s culinary heritage while highlighting wholesome choices that nourish and inspire.
Global Agritourism Conference Lunches are sponsored by Quality Meat Scotland.
- Cold Roast Gammon, Prime Scottish Pork, Aberdeenshire
- Cold Roast Scotch Beef, Macbeth’s Butcher’s, Edinvale Farm, Morayshire
- Flaked Hot Smoked Salmon, John Ross Jr, Aberdeen
- Peppered Mackerel, John Ross Jr, Aberdeen
- Blue Cheese and Asparagus Quiche made with Scotston Farm Eggs, Angus, Howgate Kintyre Blue, Inverloch Cheese Company, Argyll and Denhead Farms Asparagus, Perthshire
- Scotch Eggs, made with Prime Scottish Pork and Scotston Farm Eggs, Angus
- Salad Leaves with Garlic Snapes, Westerton Farm, Aberdeenshire
- Potato and Onion Salad with Chive Mustard Dressing, new season Ayrshire New Potatoes, Girvan Growers
- Roasted Beetroot, Celeriac and Apple Salad
- Salad Dressings, Summer Harvest Oils, Perthshire
- Fresh Scottish Tomatoes, Standhill Farm, Scottish Borders
- Sourdough Bread, The Bread Guy, Aberdeen
- Whipped Bothy Butter, Angus
12:45 PM – 1:00 PM
Keynote: Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Address
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Session 9 – Keynote: Agritourism Data Insights & Marketing
International brands at the heart of the tourism industry process millions of bookings and reviews for global agritourism every year. Keynote speaker, Justin Reid, Senior Director of Media, Destinations, Hotels and Growth at Tripadvisor, will share data and insights about the agritourism sector from Tripadvisor’s global perspective.
1:30 PM – 1:55 PM
Refreshment Break & Networking
1:55 PM – 2:35 PM
Session 10 – Keynote: World Agritourism Awards
Chair of the World Agri Tourism Day Committee, Pandurang Taware, (Agri Tourism India), will lead the World Agritourism Awards ceremony. The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF). The World Agritourism Awards will recognise the significant impact that women have had on rural development, enabling economic empowerment, skill development, climate resilience, and community-based enterprise. By placing women farmers at the centre of agritourism, this theme highlights inclusive growth, gender equity, and sustainable rural economies that benefit farming families and rural communities worldwide.
7:45 AM – 8:45 AM
Closing Ceremony
- Thank you from Scotland
- Global Agritourism Conference 2027 – Quebec
- Global Agritourism Network, Announcement of new President
7:45 AM – 8:45 AM
Learning Journey 3 (Post-Conference) North
Thursday 25th June – Coaches Depart will depart at 3.30pm
Friday 26th June
- Visits: Howe Farm, Barony Mill, The Orkney Dairy
Saturday 27th June
- Visits: Skaill House and Scara Brae, Millburn Farm, Ring of Brodgar
Sunday 28th June
- Visits: Black Isle Dairy, Black Isle Berries, The Mill at Fearn Farm
Monday 29th June
- Visits: Ballindalloch Estate, Rothiemurchus Farm Shop
Tuesday 30th June
- Visits: Lurgan Farm, Errichel, Loch Leven’s Larder