Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
The majority of agri-tourism activities included in reports are:
•
Hosting school trips, 51% of agri-tourism activity;
•
U Pick or Pick Your own;
•
On-farm tours and classes;
•
Fairs and festivals on the farm;
•
Pumpkin Patches; October is the biggest month in USA for agri-
tourism;
•
Weddings;
•
Youth camps;
•
Orchard dinners;
•
Barn dances;
•
Hunting and fishing.
The objectives of agri-tourism, and therefore the support by government
in the USA and Canada, is for six main reasons.
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1.
Long-term investment in future generations of farmers who will carry on
historical family traditions.
2.
Conserve prime farmland for farming.
3.
Preserve valuable resources so that future generations will have access to
the same natural wonders.
4.
Promote sustainable growth.
5.
To encourage innovation by farmers.
6.
Give character to a region or farm that sets it apart.
The Californian research
1
shows that a farm needs to be near to a city
of a minimum population of
10,000
to participate in recreational ac-
tivities. According to research carried out in South Carolina, half the
trips are made within a 300 mile radius and one-third within a 150 mile
radius.
The consumer drivers for agri-tourism are:
4
•
Convenience;
•
Diversity of the attraction;
•
The opportunity to purchase value added products on one site.
Samantha Gross identifies these key trends.
5
Agri-tourism is becoming
so popular because of:
1.
Increased travel by cars.
2.
Desire for new and different experiences.
3.
Short trips planned at the last minute.
4.
Strengthening of family relationships.
Many farm communities are now ready to develop agri-tourism. Success
is often based on marketing around a 'hero' product or facility on the
farm. The Garlic Farm in the Isle of Wight, UK, is a model of what can be
achieved.
