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Sometimes called entertainment farming, rural tourism, farm experience,
agri-entertainment, agri-tourism, and most recently, agritourism, all
of these really mean the same thing: a meaningful visit to with a producer
of land-based products and services.
Recently, more farms, wineries, bed and breakfasts, and other land-based businesses have been catering to tourists,
local and regional families who enjoy visiting and shopping at these businesses.
| Agritourism Blog |
| Agritourism continues its growth |
(September 23, 2008)
Everywhere I look, Agritourism has taken hold as a durable part of the American economy. Farms everywhere are catering to the public's desire to spend time outdoors, in a farm setting. Agritourism is a style of vacation where tourists can stay in a farm, pick fruits and vegetables, ride horses, feed farm animals, and basically enjoy the farm setting. More and more individuals are getting hooked to this kind of vacation because of significant improvements in the telecommunications sector. For example, the advent of the broadband and Wi-Fi Internet connection have enabled interested parties to check the world wide web for credible Agritourism companies. Clients can now compare prices, services, and other essential factors in having a worthwhile farm vacation at the comfort of their home.
I see farms that have opened up petting zoos, farms that have hiking trails, gift shops, mazes, and much more. It is easy to get started, so what are you waiting for?
Create an open farm weekend for starters, and advertise it as a free community event in local papers. Put up posters and hand out fliers. You might be surprised by your turnout!
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| WANTED: editor for AgritourismWorld |
(April 10, 2008)
Do you want to get involved with the biggest agritourism directory web site on the planet?
AgritourismWorld is looking for help! We are looking for a talented and motivated individual to post articles, news and review new farm listings.
Contact Chris to find out more: chris@agritourismworld.com
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| Is Agritourism Relevant? |
(August 7, 2006)
We are now heading into our 3rd season as an agritourism operation. Why do we do this? Does agritourism matter?
We see many types of people on the farm. But the thing they have in common is that they WANT to be there. Our guests are among the nicest and most interesting of people that I see anywhere.
FARMS are needed for people. Our roots as a people are very deep in agriculture. Sometimes I wonder if agritourism is really farming. On our farm, we raise crops, livestock, make hay, feed hay, clean manure. Each day brings live, each day brings death. The cycle of life is very prominent on a working farm.
So I say, even if our 'farm' is reduced to an agritourism destination, if the global markets eliminate any possibility of profit on the commodities, then YES its all worthwhile. We must adapt and grow. Keeping the farm as a farm is worthwhile, even if the 'crops' are education and entertainment.
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| Another successful agritourism event |
(October 10, 2005)
This past weekend we held our second annual agritourism event on our farm. We call it the Fall Family Weekend, and work together with a couple of other complimentary businesses to promote and market the event. Despite cold and rainy weather, we had at least 300 people come out to our farm each day.
In our barn, we have educational exhibits, activities for kids, complimentary hot drinks, a gift shop and of course more standard agritourism draws like cute farm animals.
What's the secret of our success? Its no mystery, just lots of hard work, good word of mouth, clever promotions and heavy Internet marketing. Our website helps alot, and reassures the soon-to-be guest that they and their family are going to enjoy the weekend on our agritourism farm.
If you'd like to hear more, email me at Chris@agritourismworld.com.
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Ag-Blog writings and musings by Chris Grant
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The small farm can re-create a picture of an earlier, simpler way of farming, so
start your search today.
Farm visits will be unlike any other experience you have had in your life.
Working farms are alive with sound, smell, character, and a daily routine
ingrained in the lives of the farmers, their helpers, and all who inhabit the land and barns.
When you plan to visit a working farm, it is often good to call ahead.
That way the host or hostess will know to expect you, and can be ready when you arrive.
As much of a farm is outdoors, you can expect to meet conditions of weather on your visit.
Everyone should wear boots, and bring a coat or extra layer if you know you’ll be out hiking.
You may encounter mud or manure, so dress yourself and kids appropriately.
If there are animals around, ask your children to use some restraint in approaching the animals.
Allow animals time to explore you before touching them.
Farmers work very long hours for relatively low pay because they love the land, and working
every day on and with the land. If a farm you are visiting has a gift shop or farm stand,
make an effort to support the farm with your purchases. You and others will make the difference
in whether many small farms continue for another generation: buy their local produce and locally
crafted products. Even if you can get the item cheaper somewhere else, choose to help the farms
you visit, so they will be there when your kids have kids.
Search for an agri-tourism farm to visit
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