What is agri -tourism?

An agri - tourism business is a farm enterprise operated for the enjoyment and education of the
public that may also generate additional farm income by promoting farm products and
experiences.

Typically these are rural enterprises that incorporate both a working farm environment and a
commercial tourism component

In the general sense, agri - tourism is the practice of attracting visitors to an area or areas used
primarily for agricultural purposes

Agri - tourism is the crossroads of agriculture, natural resources and tourism -- where the public
visits farms, farmers' markets, wineries, community festivals, or other commercial enterprises to
experience the out of doors; enjoy entertainment; participate in educational, heritage or
recreational activities’ shop at a country store or stand; eat locally grown or locally prepared
food; take a guided tour; and perhaps make overnight stays for an authentic experience

Agri-tourism

……offering a product/s AND/OR a service/s for profit, in a rural or farm setting, to tourists in a
manner that will give them an “experience” while on vacation.
What is Agritourism?

Agritourism is basically where agriculture

and tourism intersect, as farms and ranches invite the public onto their property to
experience the out of doors, the leisure pace, and the healthy and nutritious produce that
is only possible when it is fresh picked at the peak of perfection.
Agritourism, one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry, includes visits to
working farms, ranches, wineries and agricultural industries. Agri-destinations offer a
huge variety of entertainment, education, relaxation, outdoor adventures, shopping and
dining experiences.

Definitions and Facts About Agritourism

What is Agritourism?

In simple terms, agritourism is the crossroads of tourism and agriculture: when the public
visits working farms, ranches or wineries to buy products, enjoy entertainment,
participate in activities, shop in a country store, eat a meal or make overnight stays.

What fun activities can visitors do on a farm

or ranch?

Visiting a farm, ranch or winery offers wonderful,

unique experiences. Picking your own peaches or apples
in a beautiful orchard, roping a calf or stomping grapes
are just a few of the fun and fabulous activities waiting
for you.

Why is Agritourism growing so fast?

People want a new experience - an escape from the stress of traffic jams, office cubicles
and carpooling!Parents want their children to know how food is grown and that milk
actually comes from a cow - not a carton! Families enjoy a drive to the country and
spending the day together, especially in these times.

What is the emotional appeal of Agritourism?

Most of us have a farm somewhere on our family tree. Maybe our parents were raised on
a farm, or we have fond memories of spending summers on our grandparents' farms.
Agritourism rekindles the positive emotions from these family visits.

What are the travel trends that support the growth of Agritourism?

According to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA):

1. Tourists are increasingly traveling by cars

2. Tourists are taking shorter trips & planning at the last minute
3. Travelers are looking for new experiences as part of their trips, and
4. Families want to strengthen their relationships by being together
Why do farmers participate in Agritourism?

Today, most family farms face serious economic challenges from foreign competition
and large, corporate farms. Their earnings on commodities and livestock may not even
cover production costs. But farmers who sell directly to the public - through fruit stands
and farm country stores - and also add special activities for visitors, find they can
continue farming and make a profit. Agritourism is actually saving thousands of small
farms from extinction.

Jane's Role in AgriTourism

Jane Eckert, principal of Eckert AgriMarketing, is a leading expert on agritourism. A

farmer's daughter who pursued a successful career in corporate marketing, she eventually
returned to her family's fruit orchard and helped develop it into a leading tourist
destination attracting 400,000 visitors each year. Today, as a speaker and consultant, she
helps farmers and tourism professionals reap the benefits of agritourism.