California’s economy is struggling, the nation’s economy is struggling, and the world’s economy has slowed. Stuck in the middle of this miserable economic downturn are America’s farmers and ranchers and the products they deliver that all of us need. Natural gas is expensive, so fertilizer is expensive, feed for livestock is expensive because feed crops are being used for other reasons, droughts are wiping out crops, dangerous pests are threatening soy bean and citrus crops, among others, recalls have been issued all summer, and protectionism seems to be in the middle of every trade agreement discussion.Still, the news is not all bad and America’s farmers and ranchers are some of the most dedicated workers on earth. They take pride in their job, and they take pride in their product. Now, it appears they may have another income-earning option while still doing the work they love. That option is agritourism.
The Western Farm Press is reporting that in 2008 along, “California farmers and ranchers hosted more than 2.4 million agriculture tourists.” That number comes from early results of a “statewide economic survey of agritourism operators conducted by the University of California (UC).” The study also showed that “small farms made up more than two-thirds of the farms that reported offering agritourism.”
The survey’s preliminary findings suggest agritourism can be a profitable supplement to a farm or ranch business, allowing travelers to visit working farms and ranches. These experiences can include picking their own fruit, visiting a petting zoo, touring a vineyard, buying fresh produce or riding horses.
Penny Leff, a statewide agritourism coordinator for the UC Small Farm Program believes this a good supplemental economic opportunity for small farms, ‘“Our results also show that agritourism is primarily local. More than 85% of reported visitors were from California.’” According to the survey, most of those who responded reported some profit from agritourism activities.
A majority said they will expand the type of agritourism experience they offer in the coming years. “22% of agritourism operators reported more than $100,000 in agritourism receipts for 2008. The survey was conducted by a group of researchers from UC Extension and the UC Small Farm Program, with funding from the California Communities Program.” It appears as though agritourism could provide a new economic option for farmers to consider using to help their operations stay viable.
To read the Western Farm Press article click here.
Posted: 09/18/09
