View source for Agritourism

{{Short description|Tourism involving agriculture}}
{{Rural society}}

[[Image:Kretinga rural tourism.jpg|thumb|A lodging cottage in a rural area of [[Lithuania]]]]
[[Image:Covasna rural tourism.jpeg|thumb|Rural building in [[Covasna]], Romania]]
'''Agritourism''' or '''agrotourism''' involves any [[Agriculture|agriculturally]] based operation or activity that brings visitors to a [[farm]] or [[ranch]]. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including direct-to-consumer sales such as farm stands and u-pick, agricultural education through school visits, hospitality services like overnight farm stays, recreational activities such as hunting and horseback riding, and entertainment events like hayrides and harvest dinners. These activities provide an additional source of income for farmers and help sustain small-scale farms.

Agritourism benefits surrounding communities by drawing tourists to rural areas, stimulating local economies, and fostering a greater appreciation for agricultural practices and local food systems. Many countries have embraced agritourism, implementing programs and initiatives to support and promote this sector.

==Types==
A 2018 article published in the ''Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development'' classified agritourism activities as falling into one or more categories: direct-to-consumer sales (e.g., [[farm stand]]s, [[u-pick]]), [[agricultural education]] (e.g., schools visits to a farm), hospitality (overnight [[farm stay]]s), recreation (e.g., hunting, [[horseback riding]]), and entertainment (e.g., [[hayride]]s, harvest dinners).<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Chase|first1=Lisa C.|last2=Stewart|first2=Mary|last3=Schilling|first3=Brian|last4=Smith|first4=Becky|last5=Walk|first5=Michelle|date=2018-04-02|title=Agritourism: Toward a Conceptual Framework for Industry Analysis|url=https://www.foodsystemsjournal.org/index.php/fsj/article/view/572|journal=Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development|language=en|volume=8|issue=1|pages=13–19|doi=10.5304/jafscd.2018.081.016|issn=2152-0801|doi-access=free}}</ref> Most agritourists spent time visiting farm stands, picking fruit, or feeding animals; others may navigate a [[corn maze]] or do a farm stay, assisting with chores or agricultural or ranch work.<ref>{{cite news |first= Emily |last=Biuso|title=Down on the Farm With Your Sleeves Rolled Up |work= The New York Times|date= 23 November 2007|url= http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/11/23/travel/escapes/23agritourism.html?sq=agritourism&st=cse&scp=2&pagewanted=all}}</ref>

*Indirect approaches: Agricultural products are sold to tourist facilities. Examples include farmers' markets where local products are sold directly to tourists.
*Direct approaches: Providers are engaged in both agriculture and tourism. Activities include visits to wineries, pick-your-own fields, agricultural information centers, farm stays, and harvest festivals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.agramonia.com/blog/what-is-agritourism|title=What is Agritourism?|publisher=Agramonia|access-date=2024-06-18}}</ref>
[[File:2023 Cox farms tractor.jpg | thumb | An entertainment farm in [[Virginia]], with available activities of sitting in antique [[tractors]], a [[corn maze]], and farm themed slides]]

== Economic benefits ==
Agricultural tourism has become a necessary means for many small farms’ survival. By diversifying business operations, farm operators are able to ensure a more stable income. This is because agritourism activities can occur during times of the year that crops may not be in season, and by providing a completely separate stream of income.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Khanal|first1=Aditya|last2=Mishra|first2=Ashok|date=2014|title=Agritourism and off-farm work: survival strategies for small farms|journal=Agricultural Economics|volume=45|issue=S1|pages=65–76|doi=10.1111/agec.12130}}</ref> Some studies have found that agritourism operations often benefit their surrounding communities by drawing tourists to the area. The economic boost by the increase in traffic can be beneficial to rural areas in need of diversified streams of income.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Barbieri|first1=Carla|last2=Sotomayor|first2=Sandra|last3=Aguilar|first3=Francisco|date=2017|title=Perceived Benefits of Agricultural Lands Offering Agritourism|journal=Tourism Planning and Development|volume=16|issue=1|pages=43–60|doi=10.1080/21568316.2017.1398780|s2cid=168952879|hdl=20.500.14005/8583|hdl-access=free}}</ref>

== Agritourism in various countries ==
[[Image:Stream Cliff Winery.JPG|thumb|[[Stream Cliff Farm|A herb farm]] in [[Indiana]], United States]]

=== Armenia ===
The development of agritourism was of high importance in the process of revitalization of rural life in [[Armenia]]. Apart from participation in agricultural activities and farming, some more notable activities specific to Armenia are [[Armenian wine|winemaking]] and [[Armenian carpet|carpet weaving]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Analysing the demand of agritourism for international tourists in Armenia {{!}} ArmgPublishing |url=https://armgpublishing.com/journals/mmi/volume-11-issue-4/article-7/ |access-date=2022-12-06 |language=en-GB |doi=10.21272/mmi.2020.4-07 |s2cid=234996688 |archive-date=2022-12-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206020217/https://armgpublishing.com/journals/mmi/volume-11-issue-4/article-7/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

There are also agricultural festivals and farmer's fairs organized every year, like the [[Dolma Festival in Armenia|"Dolma" festival]], "Barbeque (Khorovats)" festival, "Gata" festival, and many more.<ref name=":0" />

===India===
85% of India's population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture and allied activities.<ref name="Madridge">{{cite journal |last1=Prasad |first1=Soumi Chatterjee and M. V. Durga |title=The Evolution of Agri-Tourism practices in India: Some Success Stories |journal=Madridge Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences |date=23 January 2019 |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=19–25 |doi=10.18689/mjaes-1000104 |url=https://madridge.org/journal-of-agriculture-and-environmental-sciences/mjaes-1000104.php |language=en |issn=2643-5500|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112045426/https://madridge.org/journal-of-agriculture-and-environmental-sciences/mjaes-1000104.php |archive-date=2021-01-12 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Similarly, agriculture accounts for 26% of India's GDP.<ref name="Madridge"/> Maharashtra and Kerala are the states in India that are taking advantage of the potential of agritourism. In Maharashtra Agritourism is promoted by the Agri Tourism Development Corporation.<ref name="ATDC">{{cite web |title=About Agri Tourism Development Corporation India - ATDC |url=http://www.agritourism.in/about-agri-tourism/ |website=www.agritourism.in |date=12 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112045649/http://www.agritourism.in/about-agri-tourism/ |archive-date=2021-01-12 }}</ref> Kuttanad, Wayanad, Palakkad and Idukki are some of the important agricultural areas in Kerala. The 'Green Farm' project launched by the Government of Kerala is aimed at promoting agro-tourism in Kerala.<ref name="KTIL">{{cite web |title=KTIL - Green Farms |url=http://ktil.in/schemes_greenfarms.php |website=www.ktil.in |publisher=Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Ltd. (Govt. of Kerala undertaking) |date=26 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426114510/http://ktil.in/schemes_greenfarms.php |archive-date=2018-04-26 }}</ref> Apart from Kerala and Maharashtra, Nagaland and Sikkim are also successful agri-tourism states.<ref name="KG">{{cite web |title=Agri-Tourism: Best Tourist Destination Spots in India & Its Scope |url=https://krishijagran.com/agripedia/agri-tourism-best-tourist-destination-spots-in-india-its-scope/ |website=krishijagran.com |date=12 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112051517/https://krishijagran.com/agripedia/agri-tourism-best-tourist-destination-spots-in-india-its-scope/ |archive-date=2021-01-12 }}</ref>

===Italy===
[[File:Agriturismo Casa di Bacco (Montepulciano) 06.jpg|thumb|A winery in [[Montepulciano]], [[Tuscany]], Italy]]
Since 1985 agritourism in Italy is formally regulated by a state law,<ref>Law N. 730, year 1985</ref> amended in 2006.<ref>Law N. 96, year 2006</ref>

Starting in 2013 Italy has used a sector trademark, "Agriturismo Italia",<ref>{{Cite web|title=Agriturismo Italia trademark|url=http://www.agriturismoitalia.gov.it/en/agriturismo-italia-trademark|url-status=live|website=www.agriturismoitalia.gov.it|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714112019/http://www.agriturismoitalia.gov.it/en/agriturismo-italia-trademark|archive-date=2020-07-14|access-date=2021-09-20}}</ref> accompanied by a new system of classification of farms with accommodation.<br>The trademark, which distinguishes farms regularly operating in accordance with existing laws and regulations, shows a sunflower enclosing a farm.<br>
The classification (from 1 to 5 marks) represents the level of comfort, the variety of services and the quality of the natural environment that each farm is able to offer.<br>
This system was implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture,<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/202| title = Official website of the Ministry of Agriculture - Mipaaf}}</ref> in cooperation with all regional and national agritourism associations.<br>
The national system thus offers an overall guarantee which still takes account of specific regional characteristics.

===Israel===
[[File:Neot Kedunim 73098.png|thumb|[[Neot Kedumim]] comprises a series of agricultural landscapes, in attempt to re-create the physical setting of the Bible]]
In Israel, historical agricultural practices attract visitors to sites such as [[Ein Yael]], [[Neot Kedumim]], and [[Kfar Kedem]]. These locations showcase traditional methods like terraced farming and ancient irrigation. Tourists can engage in activities such as grape stomping and olive pressing.<ref name="jvl">{{cite web |title=Agricultural Tourism in Israel |last=Griver |first=Simon |date=May 1999 |website=Jewish Virtual Library |url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/agricultural-tourism-in-israel }}</ref>

Israel's agriculture features crops like grapes, olives, dates, and wheat, which have historical significance. The Wine Route and Olive Route in the Mate Yehuda and Yoav regions allow visitors to explore small wineries and ancient and modern oil presses. The Dagon Museum in [[Haifa]] displays the history of grain cultivation from ancient times to the present.<ref name="jvl"/> [[Binyamina]], known for its citrus groves, and Kibbutz [[Ein Gedi]] near the Dead Sea, which demonstrates [[desert farming]] techniques, are also key agritourism sites.<ref name="jvl"/>

For insights into the development of modern agriculture, tourists can visit the Dubrovin Farm museum and the Museum of Pioneer Settlement at Kibbutz [[Yifat, Israel|Yifat]]. These sites depict the establishment of Israel's agricultural infrastructure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.<ref name="jvl"/>

===Pakistan===
Pakistan is an agricultural country and agriculture is a vital sector of Pakistan's economy. About 65% of people live in rural areas and directly or indirectly relate to profession of agriculture. Agriculture in Pakistan accounts 21% of total GDP in the economy. Pakistan has natural resources for agriculture, like fertile land, four seasons, and a natural flow of water canals from north to south, including dams, barrages, headwork, canals, and distribution channels.

=== United Arab Emirates ===
UAE unveiled a pioneering plan in 2023, aimed at revamping the agricultural industry, opening up an array of opportunities for farmers to diversify their income streams to promote agritourism.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Scaria |first1=Seban |last2=ZAWYA |title=UAE approves 71 economic activities to boost farm sustainability and income |url=https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/gcc/uae-approves-71-economic-activities-to-boost-farm-sustainability-and-incomes-ke6fbwt7 |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=www.zawya.com |language=en}}</ref> The 'UAE Agritourism Program' allows people to experience conventional and modern agricultural practices at animal and crop farms, whilst aiming to increase the demand for locally grown produce.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Agritourism {{!}} Knowledge {{!}} UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment |url=https://www.moccae.gov.ae/en/knowledge-and-statistics/agritourism.aspx |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=www.moccae.gov.ae}}</ref> A new agritourism hub is also expected to create thousands of new jobs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abbas |first=Waheed |title=UAE: 10,000 new jobs to be created by agritourism project |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/jobs/uae-10000-new-jobs-to-be-created-by-agritourism-project |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=Khaleej Times |language=en}}</ref>

===United States===
Through the Small Farm Center at the [[University of California]], "Agricultural tourism or agritourism, is one alternative for improving the incomes and potential economic viability of small farms and rural communities. Some forms of agritourism enterprises are well developed in [[California]], including fairs and festivals. Other possibilities still offer potential for development".<ref name="asfc">{{cite web |url=http://www.sfc.ucdavis.edu/agritourism/ |title=Agritourism Davis, California: University of California, Small Farm Center |date=December 30, 2008 |access-date=December 31, 2008 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203210249/http://www.sfc.ucdavis.edu/agritourism/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The UC Small Farm Center has developed a California Agritourism Database that "provides visitors and potential entrepreneurs with information about existing agritourism locations throughout the state".<ref name="cad">{{cite web|url=http://calagtour.org/AgTour.ASP |title=California Agritourism Database Davis, California: University of California, Small Farm Center |access-date=December 30, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115161716/http://www.calagtour.org/AgTour.ASP |archive-date=January 15, 2009}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
According to a 2011 article in the journal ''Tourism Planning and Development'', agritourism has become economically important to the agriculture sector in [[North West England]], as farmers seek to diversify their income streams.<ref>Chris Phelan & Richard Sharpley, [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233271179_Exploring_Entrepreneurship_in_the_UK Exploring Agritourism Entrepreneurship in the UK], ''Tourism Planning and Development'', 8(2): pp. 121–136 (May 2011).</ref>

'''<big>Thailand</big>'''

Agritourism in Thailand grows dramatically after 2021. People concern more on healthy food, wellness and community sustainable living. Agritourism can promote sustainable agricultural practice and raising awareness about the importance of environment.

Examples of agritourism in Thailand:

Farm Stays

Farm Tours

Farm Product Festival

Workshops

== See also ==
{{Portal|Agriculture and agronomy}}
* [[Agricultural show]]
* [[Ecotourism]]
* [[Enotourism]] (wine tourism)
* [[Geotourism]]
* [[Guest ranch]] (dude ranch)
* [[Rural Ramble]]
* [[Rural tourism]]
* [[WWOOF]] (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, or Willing Workers on Organic Farms)
* [[You-Pick]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|29em}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* {{Cite web|title = Agritourism Safety - Integrating Safety into Agritourism|url = http://safeagritourism.org/|website = Integrating Safety into Agritourism|access-date = 2016-02-18|language = en-US}}, an online resource developed by the National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety (NCCRAHS) in 2007.

{{Adventure travel}}
{{Tourism}}
{{Hospitality service}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Agriculture in society]]
[[Category:Rural tourism]]
[[Category:Types of tourism]]
[[Category:Adventure travel]]