What is Agritourism and How Does it Help Our Communities?
Agritourism, also known as nature-based tourism, is a form of sustainable tourism that focuses on providing visitors with an authentic experience of rural life. It involves activities such as visiting farms, participating in agricultural activities, and staying overnight in farmhouses or cottages.
Agritourism can be an important source of income for local communities and helps to preserve the traditional knowledge and practices associated with farming. It also promotes eco-tourism by encouraging visitors to engage in activities that are beneficial to the environment. As a result, agritourism can help create jobs and stimulate economic activity in rural areas while preserving the natural beauty of the countryside.
Discover the Benefits of Agritourism For Farmers & Local Communities
Agritourism, or agriculture tourism, is an emerging trend that provides both farmers and local communities with numerous benefits. It is a form of rural tourism that involves the promotion of agricultural activities, such as farm visits and educational programs. Through agritourism, farmers can diversify their income by offering unique experiences to tourists while also contributing to the development of local agriculture.
Agritourism is an economic development approach, which uses rural tourism as a tool to improve local economies and promote sustainable living. For example, farm stays provide a source of income for farmers who are not only able to transform their own land but also create new jobs and opportunities for their communities. It’s also one of the fastest growing sectors in the global tourism industry with its highest growth rates.
Agritourism is often defined by what it produces such as wine, truffles, mushrooms or even honey. The term covers a wide range of initiatives that promote local food production, respect the environment and develop sustainable tourism practices while also giving people the opportunity to enjoy local culture and traditions.
Agritourism can take many forms such as; ‘farm stays’-which are farm-based accommodation, kitchen workshops, agritourism festivals, or even agritourism museums. It is primarily present in rural communities but has recently seen urban growth in certain places such as New York City where it is increasingly common for people to visit farms to reconnect with their roots.
Uncovering Different Types of Agritourism Activities & Attractions
Agritourism, sometimes referred to as rural tourism, involves visiting and exploring rural areas, often to experience local food, culture, and activities. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ability to provide tourists with an authentic experience of the countryside.
Agritourism activities are widespread, ranging from farm visits and nature walks to wine tastings and cooking classes and so much more. These activities are often tailored to the interests of the tourists, allowing them to get a unique insight into the local culture and lifestyle. Furthermore, agritourism destinations are becoming more attractive for tourists due to their picturesque scenery and plethora of outdoor activities.
In this article, we will be looking at some of the different types of agritourism activities and attractions available for visitors wanting to explore rural destinations around the world. Agritourism is a form of Eco-tourism which attracts visitors who seek experiences that are both cultural and ecological, including experiences such as hiking, picking local produce, visiting local festivals, helping at farms and more. Some agritourism activities include:
U-Pick Farms
This type of establishment offers up all or part of their crops for their customers to come and pick for themselves. Their customers get the experience of picking berries, vegetables, flowers, and more and they also get the farm fresh produce. Many farms have additional activities tied in as well. Families generally have a great time with this activity.
Breweries and Wineries
Yes, breweries and wineries are part of the agritourism industry. Visitors can stop off and test out craft beers and tasty wines, tour their operations and in many cases, learn about the process.
Mazes, Pumpkin Patches and Petting Farms
Farm businesses that offer mazes and pumpkin patches are huge in the fall, as you would expect. However, petting farms offer opportunities for outings throughout many other parts of the year as well. It is the perfect outing for family fun on the farm!
Hunting
Hunting destinations are big business in the agritourism industry. Farm businesses that offer guided hunts can be found across the country. There are many people who want to hunt but don’t own the land for it. These farm businesses offer that opportunity in beautiful places.
Trail-riding
Trail-riding is a time-honored activity that just about anyone can enjoy. There are beautiful farms and ranches across the country that offer this experience along with the peace that comes from being in the midst of nature and all of its glory.
Farm Stays
The choice to stay at a peaceful, scenic farm or ranch is a step toward serenity. Beautiful scenery, peaceful evenings by a fire, fishing, trail-riding, and more are in store for the family that makes such a choice. Many are secluded cabins, some are bed and breakfasts, and then everything in between so that you can choose the perfect stay!
Weddings
A farm wedding can be devastatingly beautiful and there are so many farms and ranches that are now offering these services. Some just offer the venue and some offer full-service farm weddings from beginning to end.
Farm to Table Events
From Farmer’s Markets to Farm-to-Table dining functions, there are delicious events across the country that you can join for a wonderfully farm-filled outing!
How to Support Sustainable Agritourism on Your Next Vacation?
Agritourism is becoming increasingly popular as a form of sustainable travel. It is an opportunity to support local farmers and communities while enjoying the beauty and culture of a destination. By supporting agritourism on your next vacation, you can help preserve the environment, promote responsible travel practices, and create meaningful experiences for yourself and others.
You can choose to stay local, within your state or region or to explore other states and regions for a change of scenery. Every state has a tourism department and you can find options for agritourism just about anywhere you search. Next time you search for a destination for a vacation or outing, give agritourism a try!
MORE WAYS TO CONNECT
We also, as a homesteading family, have three additional blogs that might interest you. A Life on the Farm focuses on the more personal side of the homesteading life. We discuss subjects like family, parenting, relationships, homeschooling, cooking, canning and so much more.
Farm Raised Family is basically a hub for everything under the Two Oaks Farmstead umbrella. You can learn a great deal about all parts of the farmstead there. The Farm Raised Family blog focuses on financial matters such as budgeting, saving, and more and on current events affecting families.
You can also have a more in depth look at all that we do by visiting our Two Oaks Farmstead YouTube Channel and be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss a thing!
Farm Life and Freedom is the new podcast we are in the process of launching! It is going to be so much fun! You could also check in with our Farm Life and Family Youtube Channel.
Two Oaks Farmstead is the farm store… the one that holds the umbrella! Check us all out and join us, not only on our blogs and Farm Life and Freedom podcast but come join the fun on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter… wherever you get social!
