Agritourism Experiences Growth Down on the Farm

A recent news item by The New York Times highlights the growing importance of agritourism throughout the United States. In the article, "Down on the Farm with Your Sleeves Rolled Up," Emily Biuso writes that, "Hoeing, seeding and picking may not sound like a holiday, yet the appeal of agritourism is gaining.... More and more people want to see where their food comes from, and the same drive that leads them to visit farmers' markets or join community-supported agriculture farm-share programs draws them to the farm itself." The article also notes the economic importance agritourism, particularly to rural communities. Specifically, the article cited a USDA study that in 2002 income from agritourism in Vermont alone totaled more than $19 million, which doubled the income level from 2000, and agritourism operations in Tennessee added approximately $17 million to the state's economy in 2006 alone.