Agritourism

How to Get Started

Agritourism encompasses a wide, ever-evolving range of activities for engaging the public on your farm. Agritourism can teach visitors about traditional lifeways or offer innovative entertainment. While on-farm events and overnight stays are most commonly associated with agritourism, activities vary from place to place and even season to season.

Agritourism offers guests a unique window into local agriculture, foodways, and community. Capturing what makes your farm and your area special will create memorable experiences that will keep visitors coming back for generations. 

There are many experiences you can offer visitors to your farm, including crop harvesting, hiking, hayrides, and animal feeding. Which of these interest you the most?

Navigating Your Options

There is a world of options for new agritourism ventures on your farm. Below are eight of the most common types of activities - from on-farm events, to new value-added products and everywhere in between. Click on those that interest you to learn more about what it takes to get started.

An agritourism attraction does not have to differ from what you already do on your farm. Simply sharing day-to-day life may be a great experience.

To create a successful agritourism operation, farmers must prioritize customers' needs and expectations. Sharing knowledge of the farm and agricultural industry is vital for fostering a positive visitor experience. Agritourism customers seek an immersive experience beyond buying farm products, desiring to feel connected to the land, animals, and farmers. 

Helpful tips for hosting guests:

• Get creative. Explore ways to use animals, nature, food, and beverages to create an immersive experience.

• Engage customers – don’t just entertain them. This provides an experience that connects them with the people and story of the farm.

• Make it personal. Relate the experience to the customer’s interests and make it a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Are you ready to welcome visitors to your farm?
Complete this worksheet to find out.

As customers may lack farming backgrounds, a successful agritourism operator must be willing to make visitors feel safe and welcome. The ideal agritourism host should possess the same personality traits as those who excel in the service industry: good communication skills and personability.

Have you decided what type of agritourism business you want to start? Wondering where you go from here? Click here to learn 10 steps that will help you get your new business off the ground. 

Information courtesy of NIFA's Agritourism Best Practices Series

Photos courtesy of ABC Acres, MT; Emily's Produce, MD; and Harmony Ranch Alpacas, TX