This page is dedicated to agritourism and resources. If you have any suggestions of information that you would like to see on this page, please contact me.
Agritourism is a "commercial enterprise at a working farm, ranch, or agricultural plant conducted for the enjoyment of visitors that generates supplemental income for the owner". Other terms often used for this segment of farming are are agri-tainment, agri-tourism, farms to visit or entertainment farming. Agritourism is growing in popularity because consumers are interested in farm experiences or connecting with their local source of farm products.
Types of agritourism enterprises include:
- On-farm direct sales (u-pick, roadside stands, CSAs)
- Educational Tours, Demonstrations and school groups (wineries, animal fiber spinning, cheese making, cooking classes)
- Seasonal activities or festivals (corn maze, sleigh rides, hayrides, barn dances)
- Nature-based tourism (birding, hunting, fishing, ecology, garden walks)
- Outdoor recreation (horseback riding, hunting, fishing, trapping, shooting)
- Rural or heritage tours and demonstrations (Historic re-creations, antique farm equipment, etc)
- Hospitality services (haycations or farm statys, weddings, bed and breakfasts, guided tours)
Here is a list of useful links for individuals interested in starting an agritourism enterprise.
Organizations
- North Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Agritourism Marketing Website
- North Carolina Agritourism Networking Association Blog
- North Carolina State University's Tourism Extension
- NC MarketReady Toolkit
- Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP)
- Networking Association for Farm Direct Marketing and Agritourism
- National Extension Tourism (NET)
- Office of Travel and Tourism Industries
- Cultural Heritage Tourism
- PickYourOwn.org
- Travel and Tourism Sites for US States and Territories
- Blue Ridge Farm Direct Marketing Association
Resources
NC and Rutgers Webinars and Fact Sheets
- East Coast Agritourism Webinar Series (NC State University and Rutgers University)
- East Coast Agritourism Webinar Series Resource Page (NC State University and Rutgers University)
- Fact Sheet: Agritourism Opportunities for Farm Diversification
- Fact Sheet: Is an Agritourism Venture Right for Your Farm?
- Entertainment Farming and Agri-Tourism Business Management Guide (ATTRA)
- The Business Development Files: Tools for Evaluating New Business Ideas. (NC Cooperative Extension, see your local NC Cooperative Extension Agent for assistance)
- So You Want to Start and Agritourism Farm? (NCDA & CS)
- Networking Associations for Farm Direct Marketing and Agritourism (NAFDMA)
- Agritourism, Your Way: A How-To-Guide for Successful Agritourism Enterprises (NC State University Tourism Extension)
- Considering an Agritourism Enterprise? (University of Georgia)
- Agritourism in Focus: A Guide for Tennessee Farmers (Extension PB 1754)
- Agrotourism/Ecotourism (University of Florida), information of nature-based tourism and business planning
- Western Profiles of Innovation Agricultural Marketing: Examples from Direct Marketing and Agri-Tourism Enterprises. (The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Publication AZ 1325)
- Direct Farm Marketing and Tourism Handbook (The University of Arizona)
- Agri-Tourism Workbook. (Agri-Business Council of Oregon)
- Agritourism Best Management Practices and Plan of Operation. Louisiana State University Ag Center – Research and Extension.
- Agritourism - Oklahoma
- Agritourism - British Columbia
- Agri-Tourism - Virginia Cooperative Extension (Has links to information of risk assessment, risk management, liability, insurance and other legal issues)
- Agritourism (University of California)
- Is Agritourism Right for You? (New Jersey Department of Agriculture)
- Is a Farm/Ranch Recreation Business for You? (University of Wyoming)
- Agritourism Enterprises on Your Farm or Ranch: Where to Start (University of California)
- Pick-Your-Own (U-Pick) Marketing (University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension)
- Direct Marketing Resource Guide (University of California)
- Agritourism Resources (University of Minnesota)
- Taking the First Step: Farm and Ranch Alternative Enterprise and Agritourism Resource Evaluation Guide (USDA)
- Developing Naturally: A Guide to Nature Based Tourism (Clemson University)
- Sunflower Maze Research and Education (NC Specialty Crops Program)
Planning and Other Considerations
- Limit Liability Statute for NC Agritourism Activities and Benefits of the 2005 Limit Liability Law for Agritourism Farmers
- Liability for Visitors to Farm Property (University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension)
- Community Development Resources (USDA)
- Toolkits and Agritourism/Nature Planning Guide (Agricultural Marketing Resource Center)
- Promoting Tourism in Rural America (USDA)
- Small Business Administration
- National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health Safety
- Basic Planning/Zoning Considerations in Agritourism (Iowa State University)
- Alternative Enterprise and Agritourism Resource Evaluation Guide
- A Guide for a Feasibility Study for Recreation Enterprises (Michigan State University Extension)
- Leopold Education Project (Information for ecological education, help develop personal land ethics)
Books
- Adams, B. B. (2008). The New Agritourism: Hosting Community and Tourism on Your Farm. Auburn, CA: New World Publishing - http://www.newagritourism.com/
- Sznajder, M., Przezborska, L, & Scrimgeour, F. (2009). Agritourism. Oxfordshire, UK: CABI.
If you are in the Appalachian Mountain Region, make sure you have your business listed in the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project's Local Food Guide in the Farms to Visit Section.
There are several services that can help you to market your agritourism business. A few are listed below.
General
- Agritourism World: Worldwide Directory of Agritourism Businesses
Farm Stays
- Farmstay Manual A new resource from the Minnesota Institute of Sustainable Agriculture
- Sleep in the Hay! A website for farm vacations throughout the USA
- Farm Stay U.S. A website for farm vacations throughout the USA
- The Farm Stay Project Blog
- Farm Stay America
- GoNomad Farmstays Around the World
