Broadly defined as any agricultural-based activity that brings visitors to a
farm or ranch, agritourism encourages a connection – and for many a reconnection –
to agriculture by providing venues that foster a sense of connection to food
and those who produce it.
While many people associate agritourism with traditional
activities such as corn mazes, petting zoos, hayrides and pick-your-own berry
patches, in recent years the growing eat-local and slow-cooking movements are
fueling appetites for other adventures on and around the farm – from helping
plant organic potatoes to savoring gourmet meals prepared by visiting celebrity
cooks.
And with more and more consumers concerned about where their
food comes from, agritourism is a way to bring the customer to your products.
An agritourism farm can become a “destination” and offer a variety of
activities to entertain, educate, and enlighten. Seasonal offerings such as strawberry
desserts, fruit pies, apple cider or produce grown on the farm can provide
ways to increase profits. Holding demonstrations on wool spinning, quilting,
pumpkin carving or other activities in which visitors can participate will
connect consumers to your farm in ways they may not have thought about before
arriving.
Agritourism doesn’t only have to be about you alone: in
addition to destination marketing organizations, you can network with other
tourism businesses nearby. Is there a bed and breakfast in the vicinity that
could promote your agritourism opportunity to its guests? Cross-marketing with
other area businesses, for example by exchanging brochures, can be mutually
beneficial. Invite owners of stores, restaurants and lodging properties to
visit and experience your farm so they can better sell it to their customers.
Many agribusiness
owners are traditional farmers who are using this new industry to help
supplement income from the farming business. Surveys show that engaging in
agritourism can increase a farm’s bottom line by tens of thousands of dollars
annually. Given our role as one of the leading agricultural states in the
nation, there’s no doubt Wisconsin will continue to be at the forefront of this
exciting and growing industry.
Connect With Agritourism
Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association – Member info, tours, festivals, 'Ag-Ventures'
Wisconsin Department of Tourism – Travel Wisconsin's local foods webpage
Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association – Cranberry Highway self-guided drive
Wisconsin Winery Association – Wisconsin wineries tours and other info
Farm Flavor – Magazine articles focusing on agritourism
Farm Fresh Atlas – Local foods directory and maps
Wisconsin Great River Road – Agritourism along Wisconsin's Great River Road
Wisconsin Farmers Market Association – Find a Farmers Market in your neighborhood
Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association – Find a local Christmas tree producer
Destinations Wisconsin – Plan your Wisconsin vacation
Wisconsin Apple Growers Association – Find your local apple orchard
Wisconsin Berry & Vegetable Growers Associations – Find fresh berry and vegetable growers
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center – Explore agritourism through interactive exhibits, dairy farm tour & more
Driftless Wisconsin Wine and Cheese Trail – Explore wine and cheese in the Driftless Region
Bayshore Shore Harvest Trail – Connect with Bayfield Shores Harvest Trail
Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association – Bed and Breakfast venues,
including those on working farms
Wisconsin Rapids Visitors Bureau and Convention Center – Agritourism in the Wisconsin Rapids area