AgritourismPromotion OpportunityPresented by: Jessica Nixon, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Defining Agritourism

• Agritourism: The practice of touring or visiting agricultural areas to see working farms and often to participate in activities

• Applies to any food and non-food agricultural, horticultural or agribusiness operations

Agritourism Examples

• Tours for families, school and groups• Day camps and experiential activities• PYO/CYO and CSA• Agritainment• Overnight lodging • On farm stand or retail space• Special events, educational activities and

the list goes on…

Agritourism in Maine

Census Year

Income related to Ag Tourism &

Rec. # of

Operators

2012 $ 1,803,000 270

2007 $ 1,012,000 112

2002 $ 433,000 73

Source: USDA - NASS via http://quickstats.nass.usda.gov/

2012 Agritourism by Industry Segment

Grain0%Veg/Melon

7%

Fruit9%

Greenhouse14%

Other17%

Beef6%

Dairy3%

Hogs/Pigs2%

Poultry5%

Sheep/Goat15%

Aquaculture & Other Animal

21%

Benefits of Agritourism

• Additional source of income• Builds awareness of your products and

farm• Helps to educate the public about farming • Brings economic opportunities to the

surrounding area by attracting the public• Can reach multiple generations and

customer demographics

Agritourism Costs

• Really, its up to the Farmer or Owner– Farmer sets their cost limits– Farmer sets the agenda– Farmer determines the admission costs– Farmer evaluates what they can afford for

promoting

Consider Risk

• Create a risk management plan• Consult legal guidance• Review local and state laws• Review area of risk• Obtain appropriate insurance

LD1605

“Warning

Under Maine law, there is no liability for injury to a participant in an agritourism activity conducted at this agritourism location if such injury results from the inherent risks of agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include, among others, risks of injury inherent to land,

equipment and animals, as well as the potential for injury if you act in a negligent manner. You are assuming the risk of participating in this

agritourism activity.”

Opportunities

• Industry Partnerships• Hotels, Motels, Travel Related• Schools/Youth Organizations• Sponsorships• Statewide Tourism

What Visitors Expect

1) An authentic farm experience

2) An educational experience

3) Excellent customer service

4) Adequate public facilities

5) A safe and accessible environment

Promoting your Agritourism Activities

• Social Media• Advertising• Direct Marketing• Free Online Tools• Press & Travel Agents

Free Online Promotions

• Agritourism World - http://www.agritourismworld.com/

• Get Real Get Maine (MDACF) – http://www.getrealmaine.com/

• Maine Today – http://mainetoday.com/events-calendar/

• MPBN - http://events.publicbroadcasting.net/mpbc/events.eventsmain

Notify the Press & Travel Industry

• Press Release

- Sell the story

- Who, what, when, where and why

- Provide contact information

- Welcome community involvement

Once they are there – now what?

• Meet Customer Expectations• Proper Training • Deliver on Promises• Engage the customers• Take notes on the overall experience

Knowing your customers

• Connecting through Agritourism• Keep communications open• Provide a way to give feedback• Modifying your plan and strategy

Any Questions?

Email: Jessica.L.Nixon@maine.govPhone: 207-287-3494

Cell: 207-215-7388