Seniors Expand Their Horizons

Agritourism or Agrotourism, as it is defined most broadly, involves any agriculturally based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch. Senior travelers are discovering that Agritourism has different definitions in different parts of the world.

Sometimes it refers specifically to farm stays; sometimes it encompasses the practice of touring agricultural areas to see farms and often to participate in farm activities. Elsewhere, agritourism includes buying produce direct from a farm stand, navigating a corn maze, picking fruit, feeding animals, or staying at a B&B on a farm.

It is said that Agritourism may be the fastest growing rural tourism niche in the US.  Due to economic hardships and changes in the farming and livestock industries across­ the globe, many farmers — especially those with small, family-owned farms — have found they must supplement their agricultural business model and explore new ways of generating income.

Agritourism seems to fit the bill for a lot of people. Farms across the country are inviting the public to learn how their food is grown and visit a working farm. Sound like fun? It is for a lot of seniors.

Seniors And Farmers Get Together

 Agritourism may refer to winery tours, hayrides, pumpkin patches – anything that generates extra business for farmers while promoting education and entertainment for the senior visitor. To some folks, the term Agritourism may even summon images of white-collar tourists paying for the chance to do farm work.

Senior tourists can take on-farm classes, participate at fairs, festivals, pumpkin patches, work on a Christmas tree farm, help with winery weddings, orchard dinners, youth camps, barn dances, or farm stands.

North Carolina is a prime example of Agritourism, and “cultivating the next generation of North Carolina farmers is crucial to agriculture vibrancy in the  state. Agritourism farms support economic stability in rural areas, contribute to environmental sustainability, promote and protect local food systems, and provide visitors with unique ways to learn about North Carolina farms.”

Agritourism Supports the Family, the Land and the Economy.

Agritourism creates new opportunities for farmers to strengthen the family farm and its connection to the public while preserving the beautiful rural landscape.

Tennessee Agritourism Association, another example, has the mission of promoting quality growth and development of agritourism in Tennessee. Visitors are invited to visit a Tennessee farm and to stay an hour or stay the day.

There are three general classifications of agritourism activities: on-farm/ranch, food-based, and heritage activities. In 2006 more than 13 million visitors experienced agritourism in Colorado and the economic impact was $2.2 billion.

Whether you visit a farm, shop at a farmers’ market or tour a winery, you are helping to support the state’s  agriculture industry.

Various countries offer tourists an opportunity to experience agricultural sites as well. Agritourism is a worldwide adventure opportunity to expand your horizons. -jeb