Dig Deeper Blog

This June, we’re packing our bags and heading to Aberdeen, Scotland for something pretty special.

We’ll be attending, and participating in, the Global Agritourism Network (GAN) Conference, hosted by Scottish Agritourism.

And honestly? If you’ve ever thought about farm stays, agritourism, or simply seeing the world through a different lens… this is one of those events that feels like a bucket-list must!

What Makes This Conference Different

This isn’t your typical conference.

The GAN gathering is all about real farms, real hosts, and real guest experiences, the kind that turn a simple stay into something meaningful.

You’ll hear from farmers and leaders from around the world who are:

• Opening their land to guests
• Creating unforgettable on-farm experiences
• Building resilient, diversified farm businesses

It’s not theory, it’s what’s actually working, right now.

Picture courtesy of the Global Agritourism Network Conference.

A Farmstay Story on the Global Stage

We’re especially proud to share that Scottie Jones, founder of Farmstay (Farm Stay USA), will be presenting at this year’s conference.

Scottie will be speaking as the owner of Leaping Lamb Farm, sharing the origin story of welcoming guests onto a working farm, an experience that helped spark what would later grow into Farm Stay USA back in 2010.

And We’ll Be There Too

Cate will also be attending the conference, connecting with farmers, partners, and leaders from around the world, and bringing those insights back to the Farmstay community.

Scotland is Cate’s second home, her mum was born and raised there, and she loves spending as much time as possible visiting family (and, of course, as many farms as she can).

Opportunities like this help us:

• Stay closely connected to what’s happening globally
• Learn from innovative farms and agritourism leaders
• Continue growing Farmstay in a way that truly supports farmers

Turn It Into a Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip

If you’re coming all this way… you might as well make the most of it.

The conference is perfectly timed right after the Royal Highland Show, one of the UK’s most iconic agricultural events.

And beyond that, there are pre- and post-conference tours across Scotland, including:

• Farm visits throughout the Highlands
• Hands-on agritourism experiences
• Even a journey all the way to the Orkney Islands

This is the kind of travel where you don’t just see a place, you experience it through the people who live and work the land.

Picture courtesy of the Global Agritourism Network Conference.

Why This Matters (Especially Right Now)

Agritourism—and what we like to call farm hospitality—is having a moment.

More travelers are looking for:

• Connection
• Slower, more meaningful experiences
• A deeper understanding of where their food comes from

At the same time, farms are looking for:

• New income streams
• Ways to share their story
• Opportunities to stay viable for the next generation

This conference sits right at that intersection.

Picture courtesy of the Global Agritourism Network Conference.

So… Should You Go?

If you’re:

• A farm considering adding stays, events, or experiences
• Already hosting and looking to grow or refine what you offer
• Part of the tourism or hospitality world
• Or simply someone who loves farms, food, and travel

👉 This is one of those rare opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired—all at once.

And yes… it just happens to be in Scotland.

Join Us

We’d truly love to see some familiar faces there and meet new ones too.

There’s something powerful about gathering with people who care about the land, good food, and meaningful hospitality.

And if nothing else…
you’ll leave with a full notebook, a full heart, and probably a few incredible meals along the way.

Picture courtesy of the Global Agritourism Network