Agritourism offers an opportunity to build relationships between the agricultural community and the local tourism industry by incorporating tour groups, educating school children and hosting civic events. This increases rural economic development dollars in areas with agritourism venues. The ultimate goal of an agritourism venue is to increase net farm income by filling customer needs for education and recreation on the farm.
The opportunities for agritourism are virtually endless and can take the form of providing accommodations, entertainment opportunities, educational activities, and/or outdoor recreation. A myriad of farm activities, special events, festivals, and demonstrations are possible. Direct agricultural sales opportunities exist in the form of U-pick, roadside stands, farm stores, and food services.
In addition to standard fare, on-farm sales can include specialty crops and products, as well as agricultural gift and craft items. Providing visitors with something to see, something to do and something to purchase is a sound strategy.
Tourism is Kentucky’s third largest industry, contributing more than 8 billion dollars annually to the state’s economy. Agritourism, along with nature-based tourism, average a 30 percent increase annually nationwide, making these the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry.
If you are interested in learning more about agritourism, there will be two meetings held at the McLean County Cooperative Extension Office on Thursday, January 22nd. Representatives from UK’s CEDIK (Community & Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky) will be here to put on the programs.
The 10am program is Building a Community Approach to Natural Resources and/or Agritourism Development. This is a two hour workshop on the need to integrate the different sectors of a community into a comprehensive natural resource based tourism effort, and the challenges of doing so. The presentation provides a model for community-based tourism development and provides examples of the ways in which different components of community organizations, policies, and processes may enhance or limit tourism development.
The 1pm program is Asset-based Approach to Agritourism Decision-making. This is also a two hour workshop for individuals considering establishing an agritourism or natural resource-based enterprise. The workshop uses an asset-based approach to assist the individual in identifying aspects of their operation that can be a springboard for a tourism enterprise, as well as those characteristics that might influence the potential success of such an enterprise. Participants are provided with a self-evaluation decision-making tool for their use.
Everyone is invited to attend both sessions. For more information contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service at (270)273-3690. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
Upcoming Agriculture Events
Jan 15th Pesticide Certification, 6pm, Extension Office
Jan 16th KY Commodity Conference, Bowling Green Convention Center
Jan 16th-17th KY Cattlemen Association Conference, Owensboro Convention Center
Jan 22nd Agritourism Workshops, 10am & 1pm, Extension Office
Jan 27th From Gate to Plate Program, Owensboro Convention Center, 6pm
Jan 28th Ag Expo, Owensboro Convention Center
Jan 29th Beef Nutrition/Minerals and Managing Mud & Manure, 5pm, Extension Office
Jan 30th Round Table Series, 8am On-Farm Grain Storage, Dr. Sam McNeil
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