BECOME A MEMBER OF THE SLO COUNTY FARM TRAIL
JOIN THE TRAIL | BECOME A MEMBER TODAYEvery farm tells a story
FARMstead ED’s San Luis Obispo County Farm Trail is about sharing those stories with people seeking agriCULTURAL experiences in SLO CAL
OUR GOAL is bringing together local farms and producers as a collaborative network of collective marketing efforts which introduce visitors and local consumers to the growers and makers on the SLO County Farm Trail map, our annual Open Farm Days Weekend, farm tours and workshops at each farm.
What’s your farm’s story?
WE INVITE YOU TO BECOME A TRAIL MEMBER
By joining, you will have increased potential to welcome more guests out to your farm who are interested in what you grow and your products made. Come share your story and share a bigger voice for SLO CAL agriCULTURE. FARMstead ED | SLO County Farm Trail Open Farm Days is a nonprofit organization under the fiscal sponsorship of Ecologistics, a 501(c)(3) in San Luis Obispo, California.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE
• Positioning on the printed SLO County Farm Trail Map
• Logo and link listing on our website’s partner page and in our consumer newsletters
• Spotlight on your business and promotion of your happenings, tours, workshops, etc. via our consumer newsletter, social media platforms and press releases
• Opportunity to join the Local Roots program; a platform where consumers find more information about booking hands-on agricultural experiences with your farm directly
• Exposure to local DMOs, hotels, & travel groups who market the Farm Trail to potential visitors
• Participation in Open Farm Days 2026
• Participation in select Farmer’s Marketplaces throughout the year
• Opportunities to participate in media and travel industry FAM
Tours and local DMO promotions
• Listed as a featured Farm Stay / Place to Stay on our website (if applicable)
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES
$300 Returning Member Early Sign Up Rate, must join by 9/30
$350 New Member Rate & Returning Member Rate (after 9/30)
Deadline to join is 10/15/25
In addition to membership dues, an annual contribution of up to $250 retail product will be required for inclusion in multiple collaborative marketing promotions throughout the year featuring your locally grown amd made.
JOIN THE TRAIL HERETHE NUMBERS
• 15,000 maps are circulated to visitors, local hotels, businesses, visitor centers, chambers of commerce, DMOs marketing teams, and all farms on the map
• 14,000+ website visitors annually
• 7,200+ social media followers (Instagram & Facebook)
• 4,000+ engaged newsletter subscribers
• $22K+ spent on advertising and marketing efforts promoting the SLO County Farm Trail – for less than $1/day your business benefits from the collaborative & collective marketing efforts of 50+ members & partners. All revenue goes directly back to promoting and supporting the trail.
• 3,000+ guests have attended Open Farm Days activities, marketplaces, dinners, tours and demos over the past 5 years
• 11 years in action promoting our locally grown and made
MEMBER TESTIMONIALS
“Joining FARMstead ED literally put us on the map. Previously we struggled with getting the word out about our farm and what we do. Since joining, our workshops and farm tours consistently sell out. We have also met quality collaborators in which we use their products as ingredients for our own products.”
- Tina Ballantyne, Giving Tree Family Farm
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“Local farming exists and thrives in SLO County. Your farm trail map is a great expression of this and is also a unifying instrument for local farming and production operations to have a larger voice and presence within the community.”
- Karen Tallent, The Groves on 41
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“As a trail member, our awareness into different markets has been magnified by the promotion and awareness generated by FARMstead ED and the FARMstead ED family. It is a great organization that truly represents the farms, makers and purveyors of our community and we are proud to be members!”
- Martha Van Inwegen, Life Elements
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“From our perspective FARMstead ED is such an incredible opportunity for all local farms to have guidance, exposure in the industry and top notch representation! These are key for the lifeblood of our farms and are things that most small farmers may not be able to achieve on their own. To all Farmers: FARMstead ED and Lynette together are an amazing collaboration of all things right in support of our farming world.
- Karen Roach, Olea Farm
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“We love being apart of the farm trail and FARMstead ED does an amazing job showcasing the local farms on the Central Coast. We are grateful for their support and awareness they bring to the community and tourism.”
- Chris Batlle, Mighty Cap Mushrooms LLC
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“We have thoroughly enjoyed our membership with FARMstead ED. What initially started as an opportunity to grow our business and connect with like-minded farmers has blossomed into so much more. Over the years, many of these farmers have become like family, and we’ve gained valuable knowledge and support through this incredible network. FARMstead ED has truly enriched our journey as a farm, and we are grateful to be part of such a passionate and dedicated community.”
- Gina Hambly, Hambly Farms
VISITOR TESTIMONIALS
“After living here for 8 years, I’d seen these farms at markets and noticed their names on restaurant menus, but I never truly understood the farm-to-table connection until Open Farm Days weekend. Meeting the farmers and their families, tasting their creations right at the source, and experiencing the land firsthand was transformative. It made me appreciate not just what I’ve been experiencing all these years, but the incredible dedication and care that goes into every ingredient. This experience opened my eyes to the community of growers right in my backyard. I’m already planning to visit the other participating farms next year!”
“So much fun! All these farms I never knew existed, all open, with fun activities. It’s not just wine here!”
“FARMstead ED and its members have come from all over the County to share their knowledge and experiences in helping us to know more about what is available to us FRESH and LOCALLY and how we can grow it, obtain it, cook it, share it and eat it...all you have to do is participate and you will come away with a wealth of knowledge and confidence to expand your horizons a bit and enjoy the world of FARMstead ED!
“What a great way to experience and learn about the foods we love to eat.”
Sponsorship Opportunites are also available!
We invite you to become a Friend of the Trail
Get your ad on the Farm Trail Map & so much more!
More Info - Become a SponsorIn community partnership with
